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Since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East, flight prices have been steadily climbing, causing concern for those planning summer vacations. Apart from rising fares, certain airlines serving the UK have announced reductions in their number of flights, potentially disrupting travel plans for passengers.
Several carriers, including KLM, Air Canada, Asiana Airlines, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa, and SAS, have stated their intention to operate fewer flights to the UK. Conversely, airlines such as British Airways’ parent company IAG, EasyJet, and Jet2Holidays have declared that they will maintain their current flight schedules without cuts.
In addition to trimming flights, some airlines are increasing fees. Carriers like Air France-KLM, Indigo, Pakistan International Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines-Sun Express, and Virgin Atlantic have introduced or plan to introduce higher charges per passenger or additional fees for checked luggage. This move is largely a response to rising operational costs.
Regarding potential changes after booking, Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, emphasizes that overall cancellations remain a small fraction of the millions of flights to and from the UK. Airlines are expected to focus cancellations on routes with multiple daily flights to better accommodate affected passengers on alternative services. While Spanish low-cost airline Volotea has faced criticism for adding surcharges to already sold tickets, such post-booking price increases generally require specific terms and conditions and are not common practice. Package holidays, however, may see costs rise by as much as 8% after booking, typically reflecting surges in fuel expenses. Nevertheless, most operators have pledged to avoid additional surcharges during the current year.
A key driver behind rising prices is the disruption of jet fuel supplies. Much of the industry’s fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed to shipping since early March due to the conflict. Although airlines currently do not face physical fuel shortages, warnings have been issued about possible scarcity in the summer if tensions persist. The constrained supply has caused jet fuel prices to roughly double from March through mid-April. While many carriers secure fuel in advance to lock in better rates, they will bear higher costs over time. Notably, fares on long-haul Asian routes have experienced the sharpest increases, as flights are forced to reroute away from the Gulf region.
For travelers wondering whether to book now or wait, independent consumer commentator Jane Hawkes advises there is no one-size-fits-all answer. While last-minute deals might become available, prices are unlikely to decline this year due to ongoing cost pressures. She recommends flexibility in travel dates and destinations, considering alternative transport modes such as road or rail, or opting for holidays within the UK. Additionally, securing comprehensive travel insurance that covers disruptions is important. Hawkes also highlights the benefit of having a financial reserve, since even when airlines or tour operators are responsible for covering issues, passengers may need to pay upfront and await reimbursement, which can take months.
Passengers affected by cancellations have rights under current regulations. Airlines must either provide transportation to the booked destination or offer a refund. If delays extend beyond a few hours, carriers are obligated to provide meals and accommodation, except when disruptions stem from extraordinary events such as war or severe weather, in which case compensation may not be required. There is ongoing debate about how jet fuel shortages linked to the conflict will be classified regarding exceptional circumstances. For those who booked accommodation separately, airlines are not liable for missed lodging days. However, if the holiday is part of a package, tour operators are expected to offer alternatives, extend stays, or provide refunds in case of travel disruption
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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