The warning comes as airlines face operational challenges and potential fuel supply issues. Travellers are being urged to prepare for possible delays and familiarise themselves with their rights.

Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “For Brits planning to travel this summer, it’s worth being aware that flight cancellations and delays could happen as airlines respond to operational pressures.

“Disruptions like this can leave travellers unsure about their rights and what steps to take next if they are affected.

“The good news is that UK passengers have rights if their flight is cancelled.

“Airlines should offer a refund or an alternative flight, even if your ticket was non-refundable.”

Mr Vaughan also urged travellers to obtain travel insurance before departure.

He said: “It’s always sensible to take out travel insurance before going away.

“Even if you are able to claim directly via the airline, an insurer can guide you on how to make a claim.

“With the right policy in place, you may also be able to claim back for other parts of your holiday that were affected as a result.”

He advised passengers to contact their airline as soon as possible if affected and to keep receipts for essential expenses, such as food, accommodation or transport, as these may be reimbursed.

Travellers were also encouraged to review their travel insurance policies and speak to their insurer to understand what extra costs could be claimed back.

Several UK airlines may have to cancel flights or hike prices ahead of summer with travel experts warning passengers to ensure insurance is in check with ‘refund’ update

As summer holidays are approaching and UK airlines are facing some disruptions due to the Middle East conflict, passengers have been urged to be aware of their refund rights.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed despite ceasefire negotiations, and as the passage for over 20 per cent of the world’s fuel, this is impacting travel across the globe, including British travellers.

Travel experts are warning holidaymakers to be aware of how to protect your plans before summer commences.

Fuel prices have nearly doubled since the war began, with the International Energy Agency describing the situation as potentially the largest energy crisis the world has faced.

A document has been submitted to ministers and the Civil Aviation Authority warning that if disruption “worsens” airlines in the UK will be forced to increase fares and cut flights.

Airlines UK, which represents a number of carriers, including EasyJet, Jet2, British Airways and Ryanair, say in the document that “the doubling of jet fuel costs (with fuel accounting for around one-third of airline costs) represents a major additional price shock”.

The letter is an attempt to get the government to step in to secure fuel supplies and give airlines more flexibility to cope with soaring costs.

One of the asks is to allow the temporary import and use of Jet A – a grade of jet fuel produced in the US, according to ITV.

The emergency document illustrates the financial fears of airlines, adding to the concern that flights may be cut or prices escalated.

A travel expert has warned that British travellers should ensure “travel insurance is in order” and “check booking terms” ahead of summer.

Airlines will still be required to offer full refunds, should flights be cancelled, or provide an alternative route.

The spokesperson for Ski Vertigo said: “This is a situation every traveller with a summer booking should be watching closely. Prices are already moving and the risk of cancellations is real, particularly on shorter intra-European routes where the economics are tightest.

“Our advice is to make sure your travel insurance is in order, check your booking terms, and keep a close eye on any communications from your airline.” They added: “If your flight is cancelled, airlines are still required to offer you a full refund or an alternative route, and their duty of care — covering meals, accommodation where needed, and rebooking — remains in place regardless of the reason for the disruption.

“However, because this crisis stems from a geopolitical conflict outside the airline’s control, it is likely to be treated as an extraordinary circumstance, which means financial compensation beyond a refund is unlikely in most cases.”

Residents have been promised they “won’t have to pay a penny” for their home energy for at least five to 10 years

Residents moving into a new 300-home developmemnt in a Cambridgeshire town won’t have to pay an energy bill for at least 10 years. Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, has teamed up with Prosperity Group where they plan to build the 300 “Zero Bills” homes at a site on Sandy Lane in Wisbech.

The homes are due to be completed in 2028, with residents expected to move in later that year. Octopus launched the world-first Zero Bills energy tariff in 2022, which allows customers to move into homes packed with “cutting-edge green tech” including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels. The green tech means that they don’t have to pay an energy bill for at least five to 10 years.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills director at Octopus Energy, said: “We’re finding ourselves in yet another energy crisis, and households are looking for ways to protect themselves from unpredictable energy prices. Living without a home energy bill is no longer a distant ambition – it’s a reality thanks to our Zero Bills tariff.

“This partnership with Prosperity Group is a big step forward – together, we’re bringing Zero Bills living to hundreds of homes and showing what’s possible when smart tech is built in from day one.”

Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany, France, New Zealand, and the UK.

Demand for these technologies is reportedly rising, according to new data from Octopus Energy. It shows that heat pump sales are up 103 percent, solar panel sales up by 78 percent, and EV charger enquiries are up 42 percent. The Zero Bills tariff does not cover EV charging as this service is charged separately.

Trai Hume, who plays as a full back for the Black Cats, was spotted taking photos with staff at The Lamp Room in Seaham, County Durham, on Monday (April 20).

Trai Hume visits The Lamp Room in Seaham (Image: THE LAMP ROOM/FACEBOOK)

Hume was all smiles as he met staff at the venue, a day after scoring his first Premier League goal in a 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa.

Despite defeat, Sunderland are 11th in the Premier League currently, with Hume playing 33 matches for the North East club this season.

After he visited The Lamp Room, the restaurant posted a photo on social media, with the caption: “The girls got a lovely surprise this lunchtime with a visit from @trai_hume! They congratulated him on his corker of a goal yesterday and got this lovely photo.”

Over the weekend, the Black Cats had scored twice in 58 seconds to turn the game upside down after Aston Villa had coasted to a 3-1 lead.

Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor scored after 86 and 87 minutes as they caught Villa’s Jadon Sancho out each time.

Diarra had a chance to make it four when he was one-on-one with Villa keeper Emi Martinez, but he tried to chip the Argentine, who made a fingertip save.

Villa then took the game to Sunderland, and Tammy Abraham scored the winner.

As well as featuring for Sunderland, Hume plays for Northern Ireland, who missed out on World Cup qualification last month, after they were beaten 2-0 by Italy in the semi-final of the qualification play-offs.