EasyJet boss says summer flights won't be hit by jet fuel shortages

EasyJet's boss has a surprising message for travelers: the airline's summer flights are safe from jet fuel shortages, but customers are waiting longer than ever to book. The low-cost carrier has seen no disruption to fuel supplies despite the ongoing Iran war, yet the same conflict is reshaping how — and when — people plan their holidays.

The announcement comes as airlines across Europe brace for a peak summer season. EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren confirmed that the airline's fuel supply chain remains stable, contradicting fears that the Iran war could trigger shortages and drive up costs. 'We have no issues with jet fuel availability for our summer schedule,' he said. However, Lundgren added a note of caution: 'Customers are booking closer to departure because of the uncertainty caused by the situation in Iran.' That shift in behavior could affect EasyJet's revenue forecasting and operational planning.

EasyJet, the UK's largest low-cost airline, operates more than 1,000 routes across 35 countries. Its summer schedule typically accounts for a significant share of annual passenger numbers. The Iran war, which began in early 2025, has rattled global oil markets. Jet fuel prices spiked in the immediate aftermath of the conflict, but have since stabilised as alternative supply routes were secured. The airline's reassurance is a bright spot in a sector still recovering from the pandemic and facing headwinds from inflation and geopolitical instability.

Booking patterns are a key indicator of consumer confidence. Historically, EasyJet's summer flights were booked two to three months in advance. Now, the airline is seeing a trend toward last-minute bookings, with many passengers holding off until a few weeks before travel. Lundgren attributed this to 'uncertainty over the war's duration and its broader economic impact.' The airline has responded by offering more flexible fare options and dynamic pricing to capture demand surges. Competitors like Ryanair and Wizz Air are also observing similar patterns, though none have reported fuel supply problems either.

Industry analysts note that the Iran war's effect on air travel is multifaceted. While fuel shortages haven't materialized for EasyJet, the conflict has increased operational costs through longer flight paths and higher insurance premiums for routes near conflict zones. Furthermore, the threat of broader Middle East instability could deter some travelers from booking at all. 'EasyJet's statement is reassuring, but the real worry is consumer sentiment,' said aviation consultant John Strickland. 'If people keep delaying bookings, airlines may struggle to fill planes at profitable fares.'

Looking ahead, EasyJet will continue monitoring fuel markets and geopolitical developments. The airline has hedged a significant portion of its fuel needs for summer, insulating it from price swings. Lundgren expressed confidence that the summer schedule will run as planned, barring a major escalation of the Iran war. Travelers can expect more frequent fare sales and promotional offers as the airline tries to convert uncertainty into bookings. For the industry, the coming weeks will be a test: can airlines maintain profitability when passengers refuse to commit early? EasyJet's answer, so far, is a cautious 'yes'.

The episode underscores a broader lesson: in an era of constant geopolitical shocks, airlines must become experts in agility as well as aviation. For now, EasyJet's summer flights are safe — but the way we book them may never be the same.