The four ways summer holidays to Spain, Greece and Italy are at risk

Holidaymakers face price rises, reduced flight schedules and cancellations this summer as the Middle East crisis rattles the aviation industry.

The global upheaval caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz have prompted fears of jet fuel shortages, and carriers including WizzAir have called on governments to relax strict rules on compensation for passengers.

UK visitors to popular holiday destinations including Spain, Greece and Italy could also face passport control chaos because of the European Union’s problem-hit Entry/Exit System.

On Sunday, the UK Government ​confirmed that airlines facing fuel shortages would be allowed to cancel flights weeks in advance, without running the risk of losing valuable take-off and landing slots at busy airports like Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.

The move will allow carriers to reduce the number of services on busy routes, narrowing choice for travellers but reducing the risk of last-minute cancellations.