EasyJet has urged customers to book early to avoid hikes in air fares due to rising oil costs as the war in the Middle East continues.
The airline’s CEO Kenton Jarvis said easyJet has hedged fuel for most of the summer, but warned: “The reality is, as you look further forward, and the hedges start reducing in size, I think the message would be book as early as possible, because that will start feeding in at some stage.”
Speaking at an Airlines for Europe event in Brussels, he said: “We’re not seeing any issues with fuel supply.
“We obviously stay in contact with all the airports and our suppliers, and that’s not presenting an issue right now. But it does depend, obviously, how long this lasts.”
The Independent reports Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary told reporters at the event it was difficult to know what will happen in the Middle East, but said: “I wouldn’t foresee any issues with the supply of jet or flight cancellations.
“I’m not sure it’s all that helpful to speculate what happens in the third quarter.”
But he added: “If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, oil prices will remain elevated and I think that inevitably will flow through to higher fares.”
The ongoing war in the Middle East has prompted the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) to update its advice for destinations beyond the Middle East, including Australia and New Zealand, warning of widespread travel disruption globally.
The updated FCDO advice says: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
“Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
All travellers have been told to check advice for destinations they are transiting through, check the latest updates from airlines and tour operators before travelling and review travel insurance policies.
Brits have also been told: “Monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts.”
