Gatwick Airport reported no major delays or cancellations as a jet fuel shortage began to affect operations. The airport’s arrival and departure boards show normal traffic, with 43 million passengers passing through each year.
An internal memo indicated that the shortage would last approximately two days and urged pilots to load maximum fuel at outstation airports. The memo also described the situation as an emergency, prompting aviation authorities to issue a formal notice.
Long‑haul flights are the most vulnerable, as crews may face weight restrictions when refueling at alternate airports. Many aircraft already en route to the United Kingdom could not bring additional fuel on board.
The shortage occurs against a backdrop of a broader global fuel crisis, triggered by the closure of a key shipping route that historically supplied a large portion of Europe’s jet fuel.
Jet fuel prices have risen sharply, approaching £290 per gallon, which represents a significant portion of airlines’ operating costs. The increase has forced carriers to reconsider their pricing structures.
As a result, average flight ticket prices have climbed to about £260, reflecting the heightened expense of fuel and related operational challenges.
Airlines anticipate that the situation may deteriorate from Monday, with the potential for more widespread disruptions as the fuel supply remains constrained.
Despite these challenges, Gatwick continues to operate under normal conditions, while airlines closely monitor fuel availability and adjust flight plans accordingly.
