easyJet says its full summer schedule is on. The UK Government has launched contingency plans, and fuel supply remains tight but stable.
Here’s what easyJet passengers need to know right now about the fuel crisis and your rights if disruption hits.
Is easyJet Cancelling Flights Because of the Fuel Shortage?
easyJet’s Current Status
As of early May 2026, easyJet has not announced any flight cancellations or route reductions linked to the fuel crisis. In its 23 April statement, the airline confirmed it is seeing no disruption to its jet fuel supply and that its flying programme remains fully intact.
The airline is operating its full schedule across its European network from bases including London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol.
easyJet has also confirmed it will not add a fuel surcharge to existing bookings. CEO Kenton Jarvis stated this clearly in a CNN interview in March, and the airline reiterated the no-surcharge commitment in its April statement.
UK Government Launches Slot Waiver Consultation
On 2 May 2026, the UK Department for Transport launched a consultation to relax airport slot rules, giving airlines flexibility to consolidate or hand back summer flights without losing next season’s slots. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there are “no immediate supply issues” but that the measures are designed to prevent last-minute cancellations.
Airports covered include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Luton, London City, Birmingham, and Bristol — all major easyJet bases. The Transport Secretary met with easyJet, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow, and Gatwick on 30 April to discuss the plan.
Why easyJet Is Protected — for Now
easyJet’s fuel hedging gives it a buffer that many airlines don’t have. For the summer period (H2 FY26), it is 70% hedged at $706 per metric tonne, according to easyJet’s 16 April trading update.
This means easyJet locked in lower fuel prices before the crisis hit, insulating it from the worst of the price spike. The unhedged portion is being bought at higher spot prices, but the airline says it has visibility on supply for a rolling four-week period.
The Supply Crunch Window
The Strait of Hormuz briefly reopened to commercial shipping on 17 April under a Lebanon ceasefire arrangement, but Iran reversed course within a day and reinstated controls. As of early May, the strait remains effectively closed to most traffic, with a US naval blockade of Iranian ports still in force.
European airports continue to operate, but the fuel supply chain is stretched. The IEA has warned Europe has limited reserves if the Strait situation deepens, and Ryanair has flagged a “reasonable risk” that 10% to 25% of fuel supplies could be disrupted through May and June if the conflict continues. easyJet is currently more insulated than most due to its hedging position.
Will easyJet Fares Go Up?
If You’ve Already Booked
Your fare is locked in. easyJet cannot retroactively add surcharges or increase the price of tickets already purchased. No matter what happens with fuel costs, the price you paid is the price you’ll fly for.
If You’re Booking Now
easyJet has urged travellers to book early to lock in current prices. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to pay a premium, especially for peak summer travel in July and August.
Compare fares across airlines on Wego to find the best deals before prices rise further. Search for flights from London or your nearest UK airport to compare options.
Your Rights if easyJet Cancels Your Flight
easyJet hasn’t cancelled flights yet, but the situation could change quickly. Here’s what you’re entitled to under UK261 — the UK’s air passenger rights regulation — if your easyJet flight is cancelled.
Refund or Rebooking — Your Choice
If easyJet cancels your flight, the airline must offer you one of the following, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority:
- A full refund for all unused parts of your ticket, including return legs
- Rebooking on an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity, at no extra cost
- Rebooking at a later date that suits you, subject to availability
These rights apply regardless of the reason for the cancellation.
Compensation
Under UK261, you may be entitled to fixed compensation of £220 to £520 per person if your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice. The amount depends on flight distance:
| Flight Distance | Compensation | Typical easyJet Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220 | Amsterdam, Paris |
| 1,500–3,500 km | £350 | Malaga, Rhodes, Faro |
| Over 3,500 km | £520 | Most easyJet routes fall under the first two bands |
However, airlines can refuse compensation if the cancellation was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” beyond their control. A government-recognised force majeure event such as a war-driven fuel shortage may qualify, meaning rebooking and refunds are still guaranteed but monetary compensation may not be.
Care and Assistance While You Wait
If you’re stranded at the airport due to a cancellation, easyJet must provide:
- Meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is needed
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes to make arrangements
The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on 2 May that passengers are entitled to care and assistance for delays of at least 2 hours (short-haul), 3 hours (medium-haul), or 4 hours (long-haul).
How to Claim Your Refund
If easyJet cancels your flight, the airline will contact you with options. You can also manage your booking through the Manage Bookings section on easyjet.com, or submit a claim through the easyJet compensation claims portal.
Under UK law, you have 6 years to submit a compensation claim (5 years if flying from a Scottish airport).
What You Should Do Right Now
Monitor your flight: Keep your contact details up to date with easyJet and track your flight through the Wego flight tracker. Check regularly as fuel supply remains a moving picture.
Book early and consider flexible fares: If you haven’t booked yet, do it sooner rather than later to lock in current prices. easyJet’s FLEXI fare allows free changes within one day of the original departure (subject to fare differences), which is worth the premium during a summer of uncertainty.
Compare options across airlines using Wego — if one carrier cuts a route, another may still fly it.
Check your travel insurance: Many standard travel insurance policies exclude “acts of war” — which is how the Iran conflict is classified. Before relying on your cover, verify it explicitly includes flight cancellations caused by conflict-related disruptions. If it doesn’t, consider upgrading your policy before you travel.
Have a backup route: If your easyJet flight is to a destination served by multiple airports, identify alternatives now. For instance, if your flight to Palma de Mallorca or Alicante gets cut, check which other carriers fly there from a nearby UK airport.
Don’t panic-cancel: If you cancel your easyJet booking voluntarily, you lose your passenger rights. easyJet’s standard policy only allows refunds (minus a £49 online cancellation fee, £55 via customer services) within 24 hours of booking. After that, you forfeit the fare. Wait for the airline to cancel — that’s when your full refund and rebooking rights activate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has easyJet cancelled any flights because of the fuel crisis?
No. As of early May 2026, easyJet is operating its full schedule and says it sees no disruption to its jet fuel supply. The airline reiterated this in its 23 April statement and confirms its flying programme remains fully intact.
Can easyJet add a fuel surcharge to my existing booking?
No. easyJet has publicly confirmed it will not add fuel surcharges to existing or new bookings for summer 2026. Your locked-in fare stays as-is, regardless of how fuel prices move.
What is the UK Government doing about it?
On 2 May 2026, the Department for Transport launched a consultation to allow airlines to hand back take-off and landing slots without losing them next season. The aim is to let carriers consolidate schedules early instead of cancelling at short notice if fuel supply tightens.
Has the Strait of Hormuz reopened?
Briefly. Iran announced the strait open to commercial shipping on 17 April under a Lebanon ceasefire, but reversed course within a day. As of early May, traffic remains heavily restricted and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports is still in force.
Should I avoid booking easyJet this summer?
The fuel shortage affects all European airlines, not just easyJet. easyJet’s hedging position and balance sheet actually make it better protected than many rivals. Booking early, choosing flexible fares, and having solid travel insurance are smarter moves than avoiding a specific carrier.
How much could fares increase?
easyJet has said it plans to raise fares to offset higher costs. The airline estimates every $100 movement in fuel prices adds roughly £40 million in costs. Fare increases for later summer bookings remain likely as hedges expire, so booking early is the surest way to lock in today’s price.
Sources
- easyJet — How easyJet is managing the global fuel landscape (23 April 2026)
- UK Department for Transport — Government plans to protect summer holidays (2 May 2026)
- easyJet plc — Trading Update for the Six Months Ended 31 March 2026
- CNBC — Jet fuel bidding war breaks out as airlines confront global stress test
- CNBC — What a looming jet fuel shortage could mean for summer travel
- Al Jazeera — EU eyes options as Iran conflict threatens jet fuel shortages
- Euronews — Europe has six weeks of jet fuel left, IEA chief warns
- CNN — easyJet CEO: We will not add a fuel surcharge
- CNBC — Iran declares Strait of Hormuz open during Lebanon ceasefire
- NPR — Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again
- Euronews — Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US lifts blockade
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Cancellations
- easyJet — Compensation Claims Portal
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
