EasyJet Chief Says Summer Flights Unaffected by Jet Fuel Supply Issues

The chief executive of EasyJet stated that the airline will operate its full summer schedule without disruption from jet fuel shortages. Kenton Jarvis told the BBC that the carrier has seen no issues with fuel supplies at any of its airports in the UK, across Europe, or beyond.

He said the airline remains in close contact with suppliers, airports, and governments, none of which have raised concerns about future availability.

The conflict in the Middle East has restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for European jet fuel supplies, and contributed to a near-doubling of fuel prices. Jarvis noted that fuel production has increased in Norway, West Africa, and the Americas, while refining capacity outside the Gulf region has also expanded.

Earlier this week, Ryanair said Europe remained relatively well supplied with jet fuel. Plans to ban UK imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil in third countries were adjusted amid concerns over supplies and price increases.

Jarvis reported a shortened booking window, with strong demand for flights departing in the same month and more cautious behavior for later travel. The airline does not plan to add fuel surcharges. EasyJet posted a pre-tax loss of £552 million for the six months ending in March.

The company said its performance in the second half of the year would be affected by higher fuel costs and uncertainty over customer demand. Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said EasyJet is one of the more sensitive European airlines to fuel price fluctuations and that the recent spike looks set to affect profitability.