EasyJet flight arrives to Malaga without extra charges. Credit: Turismo Costa del Sol
Holidaymakers thinking of booking summer breaks can rest guaranteed they can now lock in prices without surprise extra fuel fees with three major UK operators, even if jet fuel expenses rise unexpectedly due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reassurance for customers
Jet2 moved first on Friday, April 24, announcing that neither its airline nor tour operator arm would add fuel surcharges to any flights or holidays already booked or taken through any channel. The firm also removed the surcharge clause from its terms and conditions. This move covers bookings made directly or via independent travel agents.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, explained that holidaymakers deserve certainty over hard-earned time away. Customers can now know definitively their quoted price stays fixed without later surprise additions.
Follow-up pledges from rivals
EasyJet and TUI quickly matched the commitment. EasyJet confirmed no surcharges will apply to pre-booked easyJet holidays packages or any new bookings for summer 2026. The airline and its holidays division stressed that operations continue normally with no jet fuel supply issues visible at present.
Neil Swanson, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, has also said that teams stand ready to help both new and existing customers. Booked TUI holidays carry fixed prices without fuel surcharges attached.
These promises now offer some welcome stability for everyone planning getaways to popular European destinations this summer and concerned those plans might be scuppered by shock added costs.
Contrast with other carriers
Not every airline is following the same line, though. British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, all part of the IAG group, have confirmed they will make pricing adjustments to cover higher fuel costs, meaning possible extra payments for passengers to be able to board their already booked flights, depending on the price of kerosene at the time.
A spokesperson pointed out that jet fuel prices have risen sharply despite hedging strategies that provide some short-term protection. IAG airlines therefore will adjust fares on new bookings while reporting no actual supply interruptions so far.
Other European operators have taken firmer action on costs. Air France-KLM introduced fuel surcharges of around €50 to €100 on long-haul round trips from European bases. Virgin Atlantic added charges of £50 in economy, £180 in premium economy and £360 in business class on affected tickets. SunExpress placed a temporary €10 per passenger levy on Turkey-Europe routes from May.
Flight cuts add pressure
Several carriers are reducing capacity to manage expenses. Lufthansa Group plans to cancel around 20,000 short-haul flights this summer, saving major jet fuel volumes. KLM will cut about 160 intra-European services, while SAS has removed over 1,000 flights in April alone. Ryanair warned of possible reductions at vulnerable airports if the Hormuz situation drags into June.
Europe relies heavily on jet fuel routes affected by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Stocks currently support normal operations for April and May in most places, yet risks are growing for June onwards without steady alternative supplies.
Advice for flying this Summer
People who are still weighing options face higher base fares on some routes and reduced availability on others. Many are opting for shorter European trips, to Spain, for example, rather than flights that travel through the Middle East, or for flexible tickets that allow changes.
The overall picture mixes reassurance from Jet2, easyJet and TUI with caution elsewhere. Flight bookers should check specific airline policies and monitor updates closely, as developments in global energy flows can change plans rapidly.
Key points for summer 2026 bookings
- Jet2, easyJet and TUI guarantee no fuel surcharges on booked or new packages.
- IAG carriers adjust prices on new tickets due to rising kerosene costs.
- Flight reductions continue at Lufthansa, KLM and others to conserve fuel.
- Current supplies support most operations, but June carries more uncertainty.
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