Gatwick Airport 'is running out of fuel' with shortages 'affecting Brit holidaymakers'

Published: 01:39, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 01:46, 3 August 2026 Thousands of holidaymakers could see their summer plans go out the window as Gatwick Airport warns airlines it is running out of jet fuel.  The shortage has sparked fears that flights from the UK's second-largest airport will be disrupted during the busiest season of the year. Long-haul journeys are most likely to be affected over the next two days.   In a memo to pilots sent out by Gatwick, airlines were warned and told to stockpile jet fuel at other airports.  The document states: 'For attention of all crews: Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days.  'Please uplift max possible fuel at outstations.'  Another memo warned of a 'potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply'.  All carriers are set to be affected by the shortage, with long-haul flights most under threat as airlines scramble to divert fuel to UK airports from abroad.  Thousands of holidaymakers could have their plans disrupted by the jet fuel shortages. Pictured: EasyJet aircraft on stand at Gatwick Airport An airline source told The Sun: 'Pilots will try and take on as much fuel as they can from their foreign destinations to bring back to the UK but they will be limited by factors such as the maximum take off weight and the maximum landing weight back at Gatwick.' They said the warning came as several long-haul flights bound for Britain were already in the air, which meant crews were not able to carry extra fuel with them to resupply other flights.   The source added that there is a 'good chance of disruption' to holidaymakers' plans, particularly from Monday.  It is understood that airport engineers are fighting to fix a technical problem at one of Gatwick's fuel farms.  But the shortage is not linked to the jet fuel supply shortages brought on by the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war.  A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said: 'Following a technical issue impacting fuel supply to the airport, airlines have been advised to monitor fuel availability. 'We are working closely with external suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and minimise any potential disruption. All airlines are operating as normal.' The Daily Mail has approached the airport for further comment.  It comes after jetsetters were left without water and power for hours last week following a failure at a treatment works that serves Gatwick.  Flyers were left unable to flush toilets, wash their hands or refill water bottles. Travellers also reported restaurants and bars closing and that they were unable to get coffees from kiosks as taps had run dry.  As bars and restaurants sat empty and hot food was taken off the menu, only premade meals like sandwiches were on offer as all cooking had stopped.