Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has issued a reassuring update for UK families with summer holidays booked amid the Iran conflict. The Labour cabinet minister emphasized that holidays are still on track despite the Middle East chaos, after airlines canceled 120 UK flights this month due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has caused oil and fuel prices to soar.
Flight Numbers and Reassurance
Approximately 6,000 flights are expected to arrive or depart from UK airports daily this month, including roughly 5,000 trips abroad, Alexander stated. She aimed to reassure holidaymakers with June, July, and August plans that the situation is under control.
Speaking to The Sun, Alexander said: 'I know Sun readers are concerned about their travel plans, but the actual numbers show more people are flying now than at this point last year. That should give everyone confidence when booking that well-earned break.'
Low Cancellation Rate
She highlighted that less than one percent of UK flights have been canceled, and Airlines UK confirmed that none of those were due to fuel shortages. 'Holidays are taking off as planned, and based on current information, I am confident that a majority of people traveling this summer will have a similar experience to last year,' she added.
Government Proactive Measures
Alexander stressed that the government is not complacent: 'We have stepped in early and are consulting with airlines so they can get ahead of any problems and lock in schedules to prevent last-minute disruption.'
Jet Fuel Prices
Jet fuel prices more than doubled after the war began, with one tonne trading at $831 in late February and hitting a high of $1,838 by early April. Currently, prices are around $300 less than that peak. Alexander acknowledged there is currently no disruption to jet fuel supply, but described it as 'an evolving situation.'
The Foreign Office has also issued warnings about airport closures and no flights to or from the UK in some regions, but the Transport Secretary remains confident that the majority of summer travel will proceed smoothly.
