Wizz Air makes major announcement on jet fuel shortages
There have been warnings of a jet fuel shortage ahead of the peak holiday season if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.
Wizz Air has said it “does not anticipate any disruption related to fuel supply” after the Government introduced a temporary rule change amid ongoing jet fuel shortages due to the Middle East conflict.
The document, published by the Department for Transport, allows airlines to group together passengers from different flights onto fewer planes to save fuel.
Passengers could be moved from the service they originally booked to a similar one, to reduce the amount of fuel wasted by flying planes that have not sold out and might have been cancelled.
The move comes amid warnings of a jet fuel shortage ahead of the peak holiday season if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.
Responding to the announcement, Wizz Air, which serves Leeds Bradford Airport and is in talks ahead of Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s potential reopening, said “its operations remain fully stable and unaffected”.
“The airline confirms that it will continue to operate its full summer schedule, flying passengers safely and reliably to their destinations across its extensive network,” a spokesperson said.
“Wizz Air does not anticipate any disruption related to fuel supply and is working closely with its partners to ensure seamless operations throughout the peak travel season.
“Customers can book with confidence, knowing that Wizz Air offers a wide selection of routes from more than half a dozen airports across the UK, connecting travellers to popular destinations across Europe and beyond.”
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair CEO, said his airline was in a “very strong position”.
He explained that it had purchased 80 per cent of its jet fuel supply up until March 2027 in advance.
Mr O’Leary claimed it would not be cutting any flights, despite saying the crisis was costing Ryanair £37m a month.
Announcing the contingency plans, the DfT said passengers experiencing flight cancellations can expect to receive a refund or be re-routed on another service, while those facing long delays have a right to receive care and assistance.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.
“We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.
“We welcome the Government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.”
However, thousands of flights scheduled for May have been cancelled by airlines across the globe, according to analytics company Cirium.
This is mainly focused on airlines based in the Middle East, such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways.
However, British Airways has also changed its schedule to deal with jet fuel issues in Asia.
The region has been hardest hit by supply disruption as it is more reliant on fuel from the Strait of Hormuz.