Brits will have to pay more to travel abroad this summer

Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said rising jet fuel costs and supply risks could push European air fares higher.

The warning comes as airlines face mounting expenses due to ongoing instability in the Middle East.

He said there was still concern that the industry in the UK could face shortages of fuel over the summer.

A government spokesman told the BBC : “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel.”

This follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the conflict in Iran, a key transit route for fuel from the Middle East.

The UK and Europe typically depend on fuel imports from the region and have been racing to secure supplies from elsewhere.

Last week, the European Union confirmed that US-grade jet fuel could be used by European airlines as long as it was implemented safely.

Dan Jorgensen, the EU’s energy commissioner, said on Wednesday that a serious shortage was not expected in the short term but could not be ruled out in the longer term.

However, the chief executive of travel operator Tui, Sebastien Ebel, said he did not foresee shortages in the coming months.

Mr Walsh warned UK operators could still face difficulties, particularly during the busy holiday period.

He said: “You normally expect to see a 25% increase in flights and fuel requirements in the months of July and August versus, let’s say March.”

Mr Walsh added that if sufficient alternative supplies were not secured, shortages could occur.

However, he reassured consumers there was no need to panic and said widespread flight cancellations were not expected.

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