Summer holiday plans for thousands of passengers could be disrupted as Gatwick Airport, the UK's second largest, faces a fuel shortage. Pilots have been advised to carry extra fuel from other airports, and long-haul flights are considered most vulnerable. The shortage, caused by a 'technical issue' at a fuel farm, is expected to last two days, according to an internal memo obtained by The Sun.
Technical issue triggers fuel warning
A London Gatwick spokesperson confirmed to Metro that airlines have been advised to monitor fuel availability. The spokesperson stated that engineers are working to fix the technical issue at the fuel farm, and the airport is collaborating with external suppliers to resolve it quickly and minimize disruption. Despite the warning, all airlines are operating normally, with no significant delays or cancellations reported on arrival and departure boards at the time of writing.
The internal memo advises pilots to 'uplift max possible fuel at outstations' and indicates the shortage will last for two days. An 'emergency' notification was also issued to aviation bosses, according to a senior source who spoke to The Sun. The source warned that long-haul flights are under the most threat, as weight restrictions prevent pilots from carrying extra fuel from other airports. Flights longer than 2.5 hours will still require additional fuel at Gatwick, and many long-haul flights were already en route to the UK when the warning was issued, leaving crews unable to bring extra fuel.
Potential disruption from Monday
The insider added that disruption could flare from Monday. This fuel shortage is separate from the broader jet fuel supply concerns that have haunted the UK for months due to the US-Iran conflict. Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world's oil once flowed, has driven global jet fuel prices to nearly £290 per gallon, according to the Platts Jet Fuel Price Index. Jet fuel is a major operating cost for airlines, and many are passing these costs on to travelers, with flight prices averaging about £260 since the war began in February, as reported by travel search engine Kayak.
Impact on travelers and airlines
The fuel shortage at Gatwick could lead to delays or cancellations, particularly for long-haul routes, affecting thousands of passengers. Airlines are taking precautionary measures, but the situation remains fluid. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight status. The airport is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, but the two-day timeline suggests potential disruptions could extend into the weekend.
Gatwick's fuel shortage highlights the fragility of aviation fuel supply chains, especially in times of geopolitical tension. With the Strait of Hormuz closed, European airlines are seeking alternative fuel sources, but the immediate impact is being felt at major hubs like Gatwick. Passengers planning summer travel should stay informed and prepare for possible changes to their itineraries.
