HOLIDAYMAKERS need not panic despite major airlines cancelling flights as the summer holidays approach, according to a travel industry expert.
Some airlines have cut journeys while others, including easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair, have warned of higher prices before the end of the year.
Jennifer Lynch, general manager at Worcester-based Arrange My Escape, gives the following advice after weeks of headlines about fuel shortages and rising costs caused by conflict in the Middle East.
Ms Lynch said: “As a travel agent, I completely understand why some customers are feeling nervous after recent media headlines surrounding fuel supplies and potential disruption this summer.
“The reality from inside the industry, however, is far more positive than many people are being led to believe.
“Right now, the biggest challenge we are facing isn’t fuel shortages or mass cancellations, it’s consumer confidence.”
What is the impact on holidays?
The travel expert at the independent city firm said the UK’s three largest tour operators — Jet2holidays, TUI, and easyJet — have all confirmed there will be no additional fuel surcharges for holidays this summer.
“From our own experience as an agency booking hundreds of customers around the world, the disruption has been extremely limited,” she said.
“So far, we have had one flight cancellation where services were combined and one small flight supplement of £40 per person.”
Ms Lynch, who has 23 years’ experience in the travel industry, emphasised that most disruption has come from traveller uncertainty.
FLIGHTS: Ryanair has said it will be able to operate as planned this summer (Image: PA)
“In fact, we have actually seen more cancellations from customers worried about travelling than from airlines cancelling flights,” she said.
“What’s particularly reassuring for us as agents is that booking trends remain incredibly strong.
“We are still seeing a huge demand for last-minute summer holidays, especially to destinations such as Greece and we are already taking bookings well into 2027 for bucket-list trips, cruises, long-haul holidays and premium experiences.
“That confidence to book ahead shows people still value their holidays and have trust in travel.”
Internationally, travel industry leaders have acknowledged rising costs and it is anticipated airlines will eventually have to raise fares to cover higher fuel costs caused by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, has said that it is inevitable that prices will rise as “there’s just no way airlines can absorb the additional costs they’re experiencing.”
REASSURANCE: Rebecca Lynch of Arrange My Escape says there is no need to panic this summer (Image: Arrange My Escape)
How many flights have been cancelled?
Flight cancellations from UK airports have increased, with Cirium aviation traffic data showing 296 departures cancelled in May.
This was a jump from 120 cancellations earlier in the month, but even so, cancelled flights represented less than one per cent of the total.
Outlook for summer remains steady, with only 48 fewer outbound flights scheduled in June and even smaller reductions for July and August.
SUMMER: Travellers are largely not being perturbed by travel industry disruption (Image: Canva)
Advice when booking a holiday
Ms Lynch said: “My advice to customers would be not to panic because of speculation.
“Speak to your travel agent, ask questions and look at the facts rather than the headlines.
“The travel industry is prepared, experienced and continuing to do what it does best—getting people away on holiday safely and smoothly.”
She added that holidays remain “very much business as usual.”
This weekend alone, the company is taking a group of 24 customers on a trip to Italy.