Spain and Greece flights could be cancelled in late summer due to jet fuel crisis

The UK and Europe could face a “significant” decline in jet fuel from the Iran war towards the end of this year, which may lead to flight cancellations, experts have warned.

Airlines have struck a bullish recent tone about holiday travel, with easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis insisting there were “no issues” with fuel supply and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary saying the airline’s fuel suppliers expect no disruption until the middle of July.

The main trade body, Airlines UK, said carriers are operating normally and aren’t experiencing problems with stocks, and that passengers should be “reassured” that flights will be protected over the summer. Flights to popular European summer destinations are also being offered at cheaper rates to boost demand.

But there are warnings of problems later in the year if the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Europe’s jet fuel supply, remains effectively closed.

The US-Iran conflict – which has upended global shipping, oil supply and economics – remains at a stalemate, with few vessels leaving the Strait of Hormuz since the war began in late February.