Jet Fuel Shortages: What it means for your trip. (17th April 2026)

Last updated: 17th April 2026, 09:00 GMT

What is happening with jet fuel supplies?

The ongoing US-Israel war with Iran has disrupted global energy markets, including the supply of jet fuel to Europe. The Strait of Hormuz - a critical waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil travels - has been largely closed since late February, cutting off a major source of jet fuel supply.

Previously, around 75% of Europe's jet fuel imports came from the Middle East. With that supply disrupted, European airports are working through existing fuel stocks while sourcing alternative supplies from the US and elsewhere. As of mid-April, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that some European airports could begin experiencing fuel shortages within a few weeks if supply chains are not replenished in time.

This is a fast-moving situation. There is genuine uncertainty about the summer, but equally genuine reason to be optimistic - alternatives sources are being secured, governments are coordinating, and the aviation industry is adapting.

We appreciate that any uncertainty about travel plans can be stressful, particularly when you have an adventure you've been looking forward to. Our honest assessment is that the overwhelming majority of our customers will be able to get to their trips exactly as they have planned, however we are watching the situation closely so we can give you the best possible information and support and will update this article as and when required.

How might this affect flights?

Airlines have been managing higher fuel costs since the war began, and some have already made proactive adjustments. The realistic picture is:

Most flights will operate as normal. For example, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary estimated a risk of 5–10% of cancellations in June and July - meaning 90–95% of flights are expected to go ahead as planned. The aviation industry is treating this as a serious issue, not a crisis.
Smaller regional routes are more vulnerable than major long-haul routes. Airlines tend to prioritise their busiest routes for available fuel.
Airlines may look to start consolidating flights — running fewer, fuller planes rather than multiple services on the same route in a day — which could affect transfer times and connections.
Some cancellations may be short-notice, as airports and airlines monitor fuel levels and make decisions based on day-to-day availability.
Prices have risen significantly, with jet fuel costs having more than doubled since before the war. Some airlines are adding fuel surcharges to new bookings to offset this.

The situation is being closely monitored at a government and industry level. The European Commission is meeting weekly on energy supply, and additional shipments from the US and Asia are being arranged. Things could improve materially before peak summer travel season.

What you should do

If your trip is departing in the next 6–8 weeks:

Check your airline's website or app regularly for updates.
Before booking flights, or as soon as you have, check your airline's (and potentially your specific ticket's) cancellation and rebooking policy - so you know where you stand if anything changes.
Make sure your contact details are up to date with your airline so they can reach you if anything changes.
Consider downloading your airline's app if you haven't already - this is usually the fastest way to receive alerts.
Do not make changes to your MBA booking unless your flight has actually been cancelled or significantly disrupted.

If your flight is cancelled:

Contact your airline directly to arrange rebooking. Under UK and EU passenger rights law, if you are flying with a UK or EU airline, or departing from a UK or EU airport, your airline must offer you either an alternative flight or a full refund.
Once you have a new flight sorted, let your host know about any changes via your booking.
Contact your local host (via your booking or the contact details in your pre-departure email) and let them know.
Contact our Customer Experience team as soon as possible if you are unable to travel or find suitable flights. We are working with customers on a case-by-case basis and will do everything we can to help you find the best outcome - whether that's a date change, a credit, or another solution.

If your trip is departing later in the summer (July onwards):

The situation may have improved considerably by then. Governments and airlines are actively working to secure alternative fuel supplies. There is no need to panic or make changes to your booking at this stage.

Flexible booking and support

We know this situation feels unsettling. Most of our trips offer free cancellation (for full account credit) or free date changes up to 65 days before departure. You can secure your place with a deposit and pay the rest closer to the time.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all international Much Better Adventures trips. We strongly recommend checking your policy to understand what you are covered for in the current situation. Policies vary considerably, so look specifically for:

Trip Cancellation – if you cannot travel at all due to flight cancellation
Missed Departure – if disruption causes you to miss the start of your trip
Travel Delay – if your flight is significantly delayed
Additional Accommodation & Expenses – relating to disruption on your return
Travel Disruption / Force Majeure – some policies cover disruption caused by energy crises, conflict, or airspace closures; others exclude these. Check your policy wording carefully.

Please be aware that many standard travel insurance policies exclude war-related disruption. If you are unsure, contact your insurer directly.

If you need documentation to support a claim, we can provide you with a cancellation notice to support any reimbursement claims you wish to make with your travel insurance provider or your airline.

If you have any concerns about your specific booking, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at support@muchbetteradventures.com. We're here to help.