Fears grow that UK families could be impacted by summer holiday cancellations

Fears grow that UK families could be impacted by summer holiday cancellationsThe risk of flight cancellations on some routes is looming because of the ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade which has led to soaring jet fuel pricesCommentsNewsGraham Hiscott Business and Consumer Editor17:30, 15 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesTravellers risk being left high and dry if airlines begin cancelling flights due to Iran war(Image: Getty)UK airlines could soon start cancelling flights because of potential jet fuel shortages - potentially hitting millions of families in the peak summer getaway.‌Concerns are growing that holidaymakers and other travellers could begin to be impacted if airlines pull flights to preserve fuel supplies in the wake of disruption caused by the Middle East conflict.‌It raises the risk that British families aiming to take half term breaks and the summer holidays could face major disruption, although industry chiefs insisted there were no signs of shortages at this stage.‌Economist Thomas Pugh noted that some smaller airlines had already cancelled routes and added fuel surcharges. “It won’t be long before larger ones follow suit, as they have in Asia,” said Mr Pugh, of audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK”, adding: “that’s demand destruction in action.”READ MORE: People told 'check your child's passport' before booking next holidayREAD MORE: easyJet Portugal update as airline issues warning over new 'allowance' ruleView 3 ImagesA hit to jet fuel supplies risks leading to flight cancellations(Image: ANIK)Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said at the start of April that it may be forced to cancel 10% of its flights this summer. He told ITV News: “We’re all facing an unknown scenario. And we are certainly looking at maybe having to cancel 5% to 10% of flights through May, June and July.”‌Rico Luman, a senior economist at the investment bank ING, said: “Smaller airports will be in a weaker position than the main hubs because of less storage facilities...