Flight cancellation fears: Jet fuel supplies could be disrupted from May if war in Iran continues

Holidaymakers could face a troublesome summer if the ongoing war in Iran continues - as jet fuel supplies could be disrupted from as early as next month (May). As the US/Israeli campaign in the Middle East continues, oil supplies are facing severe disruption, with the Strait of Hormuz - through which around 10% of the world's oil is transported - is closed.

Prices have already soared at petrol pumps and for airlines, with Michael O'Leary, boss of budget flights firm Ryanair, warning of the impending impact if the situation is not resolved. He told Sky News while the firm was "reasonably well hedged" on 80% of its fuel, it was paying almost double (at around $150 a barrel) on the other 20%.

And he warned while rising oil costs were part of the "wider ramifications" of the conflict, the more "immediate concern" was over jet fuel supplies.

"Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market," he said. "We don't expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated."

Mr O'Leary added: "We think there is a reasonable risk, some low level, maybe 10% to 25% of our supplies might be at risk through May and June, so like everyone else in this industry, we hope the war ends sooner rather than later. If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply."

However, he said Ryanair had no plans to cancel flights, which has been warned by EasyJet chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, who has said European travellers should expect higher ticket prices towards the end of summer, as existing fuel hedges come to an end.