Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly leaving it until the last minute to book their trips since the outbreak of the Iran war, amid growing anxiety surrounding the conflict's impact and concerns over jet fuel supplies.
The company said summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2%, driven by expansion across both its airline and package holiday operations. However, signalling rising unease amongst travellers, it disclosed that the "booking profile has become increasingly close to departure" as a result of the Middle East war.
The firm said it has robust protection against the fuel cost surge triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period, adding that it is "maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply".
The group's load factor – a crucial indicator of how effectively it fills its aircraft – has held steady year-on-year throughout its first quarter thus far. That said, it noted the conflict has left limited visibility for the peak summer months and beyond.
The update came after Heathrow airport issued a separate warning on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be affected by developments in the Middle East.
Airspace restrictions following the commencement of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28 have had a substantial impact on air travel. While much of the region's airspace has subsequently reopened, numerous travellers are steering clear of flying there owing to the ongoing conflict. A number of European airlines have also recently raised concerns about looming jet fuel shortages in the coming weeks, due to disruption affecting their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Approximately three quarters of Europe's jet fuel provision originates from the Middle East and passes through the vital shipping corridor.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Leeds-based Jet2, said: "Clearly, we continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East but remain focused on our medium-term goals."
The group indicated it anticipates reporting a decline in operating profits to between £435 million and £440 million for the year ending March 31, down from £446.5 million in 2024-25, though stated this aligned with market expectations.
It has expanded its summer schedule for 2026 by 7.7% to 19.9 million passenger seats.
