The UK head of holiday firm TUI has provided a fresh statement regarding concerns over jet fuel availability and potential flight cancellations. Ongoing global developments surrounding the Middle East conflict have caused oil prices to soar.
With a settlement between the US, Israel and Iran yet to be reached, there are growing concerns that, alongside maintaining elevated petrol and diesel costs in the UK, the consequences for the global aviation sector are becoming increasingly significant.
Numerous holidaymakers are anxious that jet fuel stocks could be impacted and that their summer getaways might either be scrapped or become more expensive. Several airlines and holiday companies have been providing frequent statements in recent weeks.
On Thursday lunchtime, Neil Swanson, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, delivered another statement for customers with bookings through the major operator.
He said: “We know you may be feeling a little uneasy after recent headlines, and we want to reassure anyone travelling over May half term that they can look forward to their holiday with confidence with TUI.
“We have good visibility on fuel supplies and are operating our holiday programme as planned, with no flights being cancelled due to fuel shortages.
“Our careful planning across fuel, flying and hotel capacity means we’re able to continue offering great value and stable prices – with no fuel surcharges added by TUI.
“The price you see is the price you pay, and all TUI package holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected, giving peace of mind from booking right through to returning home.”
Much of the upward pressure on oil prices has been centred on the Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman — a vital artery for the world’s oil supplies.
The waterway has become a key bargaining chip in ongoing negotiations between the US, Israel and Iran, and has been effectively closed since hostilities erupted at the end of February.
With approximately 20 per cent of global oil traffic passing through the strait, its closure has triggered significant knock-on consequences for both the supply and cost of oil, from which petrol, diesel, jet fuel and numerous other products are derived.
Experts have warned that even once the strait does reopen, it could take months before conditions return to normal.