Travellers planning trips to or from the UK this year may need to stay flexible, as several major airlines begin reducing their flight schedules. The changes come amid rising jet fuel prices and growing uncertainty about supply, sparked by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

According to recent reports, at least six international carriers have already confirmed they will cut back on routes serving the UK, signalling potential disruption for holidaymakers in the months ahead.

Why flights are being affected

The situation follows a stark warning from European officials, who say the aviation sector could soon face serious challenges. Dan Jorgensen, the EU’s energy commissioner, described the situation as a potential “very serious crisis,” noting that while the issue is currently driven by rising costs, supply shortages could soon follow.

He explained that even with contingency plans in place, airlines cannot operate without sufficient fuel — meaning cancellations and higher fares may be unavoidable if the situation worsens.

Industry experts, including the International Energy Agency, have warned that supply pressures could intensify within the next month or so. In response, airlines are already taking steps to manage demand and reduce operational costs.

Airlines cutting flights to the UK

Several well-known carriers have announced plans to scale back their services:

KLM

Air Canada

Asiana Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Lufthansa

Scandinavian Airlines

Meanwhile, some airlines have said they intend to keep their current schedules unchanged, including International Airlines Group (owner of British Airways), as well as easyJet and Jet2Holidays.

Rising ticket prices and extra fees

Not all airlines are reducing flights — some are choosing instead to pass on rising fuel costs to passengers. This means travellers may notice higher ticket prices, particularly on long-haul routes, as well as additional charges such as increased baggage fees.

Airlines taking this approach include:

Air France-KLM

IndiGo

Pakistan International Airlines

Thai Airways

Turkish Airlines and SunExpress

Virgin Atlantic

Despite these changes, travel experts suggest that cancellations will still represent only a small fraction of total flights. Many adjustments are expected to focus on busy routes with multiple daily departures, allowing airlines to rebook passengers more easily.

Travel companies feeling the impact

The wider travel industry is also under pressure. TUI Group, one of Europe’s largest tour operators, reported significant financial losses linked to the crisis. The company said it spent around €40 million in a single month managing disruptions, including bringing travellers home from affected regions.

Following the escalation of conflict earlier this year, TUI repatriated thousands of passengers from cruise ships in the Gulf, highlighting how quickly the situation has affected global travel operations.

What’s behind the fuel concerns?

A major factor in the disruption is the reliance on fuel supplies from the Gulf region. Much of the world’s aviation fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz — a key shipping route that has faced severe disruption since the conflict began. This has raised fears of bottlenecks and shortages if the situation continues.

What travellers should expect

For now, the biggest impact is being felt through higher prices rather than widespread cancellations. However, if supply issues worsen, more significant disruptions could follow.

If you’re planning a trip to or from the UK this summer, it’s worth:

Checking your flight status regularly

Booking flexible tickets where possible

Allowing extra time for changes or delays

While travel is still very much possible, a bit of extra planning could make all the difference in the months ahead.