The UK's Gatwick Airport is facing a fuel shortage, with pilots being urged to fill their tanks elsewhere. The situation is being closely monitored by aviation bosses, who have issued an "emergency" notification due to the low fuel levels.
An estimated 43 million passengers travel through Gatwick every year, but the airport's arrivals and departure boards are currently reporting no significant delays or cancellations. However, long-haul flights are under the greatest threat, with most flights beyond 2.5 hours still requiring extra fuel.
The fuel shortage is a separate issue from the UK's ongoing concerns about a jet fuel shortage due to the US-Iran war. The war has caused prices to skyrocket, with jet fuel now costing nearly £290 a gallon. This has led to a significant increase in flight costs, with prices soaring to an average of £260 per ticket in the months since the war erupted in February.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway where many European airlines obtain their fuel, has been closed for months in response to Iran's retaliation against the US and Israel. This has had a ripple effect on global jet fuel prices, making it more expensive for airlines to operate.
As a result, many airlines are passing the costs and profit fears on to travelers. The situation is being closely monitored, but for now, it appears that Gatwick's fuel shortage is not having a significant impact on flight schedules.
