Easyjet, which operates flights from Birmingham, has issued a Monday morning update for passengers amid ongoing concerns over flight cancellations due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The airline responded to a customer with a holiday booked for May 2026.
Customer Inquiry and Airline Response
A holidaymaker asked Easyjet: "Hi, I'm due to fly out to Malta on May 12th, how likely is it that it'll be cancelled due to fuel shortage?" Easyjet replied: "Thank you for reaching out. I understand your concern however, we are currently not seeing disruption to jet fuel supply and engage with fuel suppliers and government to monitor the situation." The airline added: "We have no plans to make changes to our flying programme."
Industry Context
Easyjet, which competes with Jet2, TUI, Wizz Air, and Ryanair, made these comments as the price of oil and jet fuel rises sharply following the war in the Middle East. Holidaymakers worldwide have been warned that thousands of flights may be cancelled in the coming weeks.
Javier Gándara, country director for easyJet's southern Europe, told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that it is "difficult" to predict the extent of the problem after "three or four weeks." He added: "Everything [will be] affected because, ultimately, we are talking about a global market. No one will be immune to potential supply problems." Gándara also said he believed the ongoing war in the Middle East will likely have a negative impact on fuel prices.
Economic Impact
Gándara stated: "All consumers will experience a significant impact on their income due to the increase in mortgage and rental prices, food, gasoline, and so on. What will be the net effect of both? It's difficult to predict."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is chairing a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee to discuss the economic consequences of the Iran war. Starmer said: "Whatever happens in the Middle East, we've cut your energy bills, and we have capped them until July. Delegates, that's another thing that I will always stand firm on. I will never let this country be dragged into a war that is not in our interests. Never."
