Jet Fuel Costs Set to Push Up European Airfares This Summer, Warns Aviation Chief

European travelers should brace for higher airfares this summer, as the head of the global aviation body warns that rising jet fuel costs make price increases unavoidable. Willie Walsh, the former British Airways boss who now leads the International Air Transport Association (IATA), told the BBC that while some airlines have lowered fares in response to weaker demand, carriers cannot keep absorbing the higher expenses indefinitely.

Walsh stressed there is no reason for passengers to panic about widespread flight cancellations, but he made clear that fuel prices will eventually force ticket prices up. He pointed to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have effectively closed a key shipping route and sent jet fuel costs soaring. Even if the strait reopened tomorrow, Walsh said, the ripple effects could stretch into next year.

The timing is especially tricky for the UK and Europe, where summer flight schedules typically see a 25% jump in fuel needs compared to March. Walsh warned that if alternative supplies are not secured quickly, some shortages could hit during the peak season. The UK and much of Europe rely heavily on Middle Eastern jet fuel imports and are now scrambling to find other sources.

The EU recently confirmed that US-grade jet fuel can be used by European airlines, as long as it is introduced carefully. The EU’s energy commissioner noted no immediate threat to supplies but acknowledged potential longer-term shortages. Meanwhile, Tui’s CEO expressed confidence that the coming months would see no major disruptions.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander assured the public that summer holiday plans should not face significant disruption. She highlighted increased fuel imports from America and higher production at UK refineries. The government has also temporarily allowed airlines to consolidate passengers from different flights onto fewer planes to save fuel.

Despite these measures, Walsh cautioned that fuel supply issues could persist into 2027. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that airlines have already canceled 296 departures from UK airports this month, about 0.75% of the total. In a separate move, the Home Office announced that from July 8, children aged eight and nine who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult can use e-gates at UK airports, lowering the previous minimum age of 10 and potentially allowing up to 1.5 million more children to use the automated system.