EasyJet boss urges early booking as Iran war set to trigger fare increases

The chief executive of easyJet has said holidaymakers should book flights as early as possible, as fares look set to increase because of the Iran war.

European airlines have hedged on the price of jet fuel but the cost in Europe soared to a record high this week, with prices almost double what they were before the conflict started, said reports.

Kenton Jarvis said at the Airlines For Europe (A4E) conference in Brussels on Thursday (March 19) that air fares could be higher this summer if the conflict continues and he urged passengers to book early to avoid increases.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said there could be ‘issues’ towards the tail end of the summer season if the conflict drags on, added the Daily Mail.

“There’s an inevitability that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, that oil prices will remain elevated and it is inevitable that that will flow through to higher fares,” he said in the Mail.

However, Jarvis and O’Leary dismissed any fears of imminent fuel shortages affecting flights despite concerns about supplies in parts of Asia, added the reports.

The Mail reported that ministers were preparing for jet fuel supplies to “be constrained”, potentially threatening holidays.

A government source told the Mail: “The supply could be constrained, but it’s not clear how significantly yet. We are working up contingencies for if they are needed.”