TUI responded after one customer took to social media to ask an important question facing many holidaymakers.

21:44, Fri, Apr 17, 2026 Updated: 21:44, Fri, Apr 17, 2026

TUI Dreamliner on finals

A TUI customer asked if May holidays could be affected by fuel shortages (Image: Getty Images)

A major airline has issued an update to passengers with holidays booked from May 1 onwards, following fears of possible jet fuel shortages that could disrupt flights this summer. TUI has responded after one customer took to social media to ask whether holidays could be affected amid warnings that Europe may face fuel supply problems.

The question appeared to be related to the recent oil blockades in the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. On Thursday, the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, warned Europe has "maybe 6 weeks or so (of) jet fuel left," if oil supplies remained blocked due to the US/Israel conflict with Iran. The passenger asked: "@TUIUK, with the reported jet fuel shortages, are you expecting holidays from May 1st to be affected?" In a response posted on April 16, TUI sought to reassure customers and said no immediate disruption is currently expected. The airline replied: "Hey, we're closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies. At present, we’re not anticipating any immediate disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages."

@TUIUK with the reported jet fuel shortages are you expecting holidays from may 1st to be effected ?

— Twisted76 (@Twisted7611) April 16, 2026

On Friday, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is effectively now 'open', Trump says the US blockade will continue until a deal is reached.

Before this development, Airports Council International Europe warned: "We understand that if the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU.

"The fact that we are entering the peak summer season is only adding to those concerns."

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary also said disruption could begin as early as May if the conflict were to continue.

He told Sky News: "Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market.

"We don't expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated."

Fatih Birol during interview with PA

Fatih Birol warned Europe could have "maybe 6 weeks or so (of) jet fuel left" if blockages continue (Image: AP)

He added: "We think there is a reasonable risk, some low level, maybe 10% to 25% of our supplies might be at risk through May and June, so like everyone else in this industry, we hope the war ends sooner rather than later.

"If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply."

Other airlines have also been asked by worried customers whether summer flights could be cancelled.

One passenger asked easyJet Holidays whether July flights from Gatwick to Bordeaux could be affected by possible shortages from the end of May.

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In response on April 10, easyJet Holidays said: "Hi there, thanks for reaching out. We do appreciate your concerns.

"Please be assured, we are monitoring the situation closely and if there were to be any changes to your booking at all, our dedicated pre-travel team would be in touch to advise on your options."