Wizz Air has issued an update today, Sunday, May 3, after the UK government introduced a rule change amid warnings of a jet fuel shortage linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Wizz Air has released a Sunday afternoon statement to travellers confirming its flight arrangements. The budget airline’s latest announcement follows new official measures unveiled earlier today, Sunday, May 3, by the government
The Government has introduced a temporary regulatory change permitting airlines to consolidate passengers from separate flights onto fewer aircraft as part of efforts to conserve fuel. This comes amid concerns over a potential jet fuel shortage ahead of the busy holiday season should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed.
When asked this morning whether holidaymakers heading overseas are likely to encounter difficulties this summer, Ms Alexander told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “I’ve spent every week of the last two months in close contact with airlines and airports.
“On Thursday of this week, airlines told me very clearly that they have good visibility over the next six to eight weeks of jet fuel supply. There is no current disruption to jet fuel supplies.
“We are, for example, importing more jet fuel from America. We have asked the refineries in the UK to maximise their production. We’ve got four refineries here, refineries in West Africa are also producing more.”
She continued: “The last thing I want is for people to turn up at a departure gate and have last minute cancellations. I am confident, sat here today on the basis of the information that I have available to me, that the majority of people who are traveling this summer will have a similar experience to that which they had last year.”
Her comments come as airlines around the globe take steps in the wake of rising jet fuel prices. The increases have resulted from Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blocking one of the world’s crucial routes for jet fuel distribution to other countries.
Lufthansa recently revealed plans to axe 20,000 flights as it reduces capacity to manage the jet fuel shortages. British airlines have also made statements aimed at reassuring passengers.
Jet2, one such carrier, confirmed it will not impose surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to offset rising costs, including jet fuel. Wizz Air has now released a fresh statement following the government’s latest proposals.
Speaking today, an airline spokesman said: “Wizz Air acknowledges today’s announcement by the UK government and would like to reassure customers that its operations remain fully stable and unaffected.
“The airline confirms that it plans continue to operate its full summer schedule, flying passengers safely and reliably to their destinations across its extensive network. Wizz Air is working closely with its partners to ensure seamless operations throughout the peak travel season.
“Customers can book with confidence on Wizz Air’s wide selection of routes from more than half a dozen airports across the UK, connecting travellers to popular destinations across Europe and beyond.”
New government plans announced amid jet fuel shortage
The Government’s airline regulation changes could result in passengers being transferred from their originally booked service to a comparable alternative to cut down on fuel wastage from operating aircraft that haven’t reached full capacity and may otherwise have been cancelled.
Consumer group Which? has voiced criticism, arguing that regulations should not be “bent in favour of airlines”. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden said families could find themselves “herded on to a different plane, at a time of the airline’s choosing”I’ve spent every week of the last two months in close contact with airlines and airports.
“The honest message is that Britain is exposed to fuel supply risks that a properly energy-secure country would not face,” he added.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for private jets to be grounded to save fuel. “While ordinary people pay the price, the super rich are simply getting in their private jets at will – wasting huge amounts of jet fuel on unnecessary trips,” he said.
Credits: Wizz Air
