Key Facts

• About 13,000 fewer flights will operate globally in May, a reduction of less than 2% of total capacity.
• Airlines like Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa have made significant flight cuts, especially short-haul routes.
• Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since conflicts increased tensions in the Middle East and closed the Strait of Hormuz.
• Most large UK short-haul airlines have fuel price protections, but some parts of their fuel costs are still exposed to price rises.
• Europe could face jet fuel shortages if the Middle East conflict disrupts supplies for a long time.
• The UK imports most of its jet fuel and has low reserves, making it vulnerable to supply problems.
• The UK government will relax rules allowing airlines to cancel less profitable flights without losing airport slots to avoid empty planes flying.
• UK refineries have been asked to increase jet fuel production, but the government has not reduced taxes or environmental rules on fuel.