Passengers have been warned of possible jet fuel shortages caused by the Iran war, and airspace at global hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha closed on 28 February due to Iranian attacks, causing flight cancellations and schedule disruptions. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned that jet fuel supplies could face disruption from May if the conflict continues. According to research from multiple sources, the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has disrupted a key global shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed to shipping since the conflict began, blocking about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply, and the war has entered week 4 with no imminent ceasefire, with effects widespread and attention on surging oil prices.
Oil prices have soared to close to $120 a barrel due to the conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and jet fuel prices have nearly doubled since the conflict began, becoming a top cost for airlines. Research indicates oil prices have surged since February due to Iran's block on tankers passing through a key shipping passage, the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines have hiked international fares significantly, with some tickets reaching extremely high prices due to dynamic pricing, and travel agencies report inconsistent airline policies, price increases, and rebooking challenges similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership. Jet2 has issued an update for passengers worried about disruption to their spring travel plans, according to major media reports.
Hi Liz, all flights are planned to go ahead as normal. If anything were to change regarding your booking, we would be sure to reach out to you directly to make you aware, and discuss the options available to you. Thanks, Lily.
The Business Secretary has said there are no supply chain issues for jet fuel at this moment, according to major media reports citing Business Secretary Peter Kyle. UK airlines are not experiencing disruption to their supply of jet fuel, according to an industry association, as reported by major media. However, Irish premier Micheál Martin said the government is pressing for an early end to the war, citing serious threats from jet fuel supply interruptions, according to research from multiple sources. The EU is aware of potential aviation impacts and is preparing energy measures, including on aviation, to be unveiled by Ursula von der Leyen, according to Darragh O'Brien, Ireland's Transport Minister. US President Donald Trump indicated a potential withdrawal from the war within two to three weeks if confident Iran won't build nuclear weapons, according to research from multiple sources.
Separately, Greece faced travel disruption this week after a deadly storm hit parts of the country, and Crete was enveloped in a Saharan dust storm, according to major media reports. One passenger named Liz Hughes asked Jet2 for guidance ahead of an upcoming trip to Corfu later this month, as reported by major media. A Jet2 employee named Lily responded to Liz Hughes' question on Friday (April 2), according to major media. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Lily described that all flights are planned to go ahead as normal, and if anything were to change regarding the booking, Jet2 would reach out directly to discuss options.
Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market. We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.
The oil shortage has hit Gulf-reliant Asian countries hard, with the Philippines mandating four-day work weeks and Indonesia facing dwindling reserves, according to research from multiple sources. China is the world's largest buyer of oil and uses 15 to 16 million barrels daily, but is better positioned than neighbors due to preparations and domestic resources, research indicates. China imports significant oil from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, but also relies on domestic production and Russian imports, which are not disrupted, and coal is the dominant source of power in China, accounting for over half of global production, according to research from multiple sources. The UN emphasizes that energy security now involves resilience and alternative power sources, with renewables offering a solution, according to the United Nations.
It remains unclear when the conflict will end or if a ceasefire is imminent, and the exact timeline and severity of potential jet fuel supply disruptions in Europe are uncertain. How long travel disruptions and airspace closures in the Middle East will last is also unknown, along with the full economic impact on global markets and specific countries beyond reported measures. The effectiveness of government and EU preparations to mitigate aviation and energy impacts has yet to be determined.
We could withdraw from the war within two to three weeks if we are confident Iran will not build nuclear weapons.