TUI issues update on summer flights amid fuel shortage fears

Budget airline TUI has said it is “monitoring” jet fuel shortages as a result of the Iran war.

Aviation industry bodies have warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping lane for oil between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, being closed.

Some airlines have already been forced to cancel flights due to the issues.

TUI issues update on summer flights amid fuel shortage fears

The update from TUI comes after one concerned passenger asked the question on social media.

They said: “With the reported jet fuel shortages, are you expecting holidays from May 1 to be affected?”

TUI replied: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.

“At present, we’re not anticipating any immediate disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

The positive news for passengers comes amid other airlines making changes to their schedules in the coming months.

TUI has issued an update on its flights amid ongoing fears over fuel shortages from passengers (Image: Getty Images)

Lufthansa has closed its CityLine regional subsidiary, which operates routes between London and Munich and Frankfurt.

Norse Atlantic Airways has cancelled all routes to Los Angeles including flights from London Gatwick Airport.

KLM has axed flights across Europe over the next month, including services to and from London.

However, the Dutch airline says the cancellations are not down to a kerosene shortage.

Despite this, the country’s airline industry association, BARIN, has previously warned that fuel supplies could become a concern as the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel rumbles on and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

In total, it plans to cut 160 flights, split equally between departures from and arrivals into Schiphol Airport.

UK airline Aer Lingus has cut more than 500 flights from its upcoming schedule, but this is due to “mandatory maintenance on aircraft, along with a limited number of schedule adjustments”.

Other major airlines have responded to the fears by increasing fares and adding or increasing fuel surcharges.

Travellers to Spain warned as airport to close for a month with all flights cancelled

Flight cancellations are not the only concern for Brits travelling abroad, with those going to Spain warned amid an upcoming closure of a key airport in the country.

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Spain is set to close for an entire month due to resurfacing work on the runway.

These works will see all flights cancelled, affecting thousands of British travellers.

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Spain is closing for a month affecting thousands of passengers (Image: Getty Images)

It will be closed from April 23 to May 27, with its website saying: “During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.

“If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.”

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Around 30 flights run each week between the UK and Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport.

Most of the flights operate out of London-based airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, while there are also non-direct flights to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro from Manchester.

Alternative airports include A Coruña Airport (around 75 km away) and Vigo Airport (100 km).

Have you been affected by any flight cancellations or price increases this year? Let us know in the comments.