As tensions continue in the Middle East, some UK travellers are naturally keeping a closer eye on holiday plans for the months ahead — particularly with the May half-term and peak summer season approaching fast.

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However, despite recent headlines surrounding airline fuel costs and regional disruption, airlines, travel companies and the UK Government continue to stress that flights are operating normally and holidays are continuing as planned.

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Shortly after the conflict escalated, senior figures within the aviation industry warned that rising fuel prices could place pressure on airlines heading into the summer season. New figures from aviation analytics company Cirium show that 296 UK departures were cancelled during May, representing around 0.75 per cent of scheduled flights.

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According to reports from LondonLovesBusiness, airlines are currently dealing with higher operating costs caused by rising fuel prices and ongoing disruption to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Even so, the impact on the overall summer schedule remains relatively small.

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Current airline schedule adjustments for the peak summer months are limited. Planned outbound flights for June are down by 48 compared with the previous week, July by 31 and August by just four flights — indicating that airlines are continuing to operate the vast majority of services while monitoring demand and operating costs.

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Importantly, the travel industry continues to reassure holidaymakers that there is no widespread fuel shortage affecting UK holiday travel.

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Research carried out for The i Paper found that some travellers are reconsidering overseas trips due to concerns about possible disruption linked to the ongoing conflict. However, most people are still planning to travel abroad this summer, with airlines and tour operators reporting that bookings remain strong overall.

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The UK’s leading travel association ABTA has urged travellers not to be put off by alarming headlines. Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, said the organisation continues to repeat the message that flights are taking off as normal and holidays are going ahead successfully.

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He added that many ABTA members are helping customers book with confidence by reassuring them that travel is continuing normally and that there is currently no aviation fuel shortage impacting holidays.

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For many travellers, booking sooner rather than later could still prove the smartest option. If fuel prices continue to rise during the summer months, air fares may also increase as airlines adjust costs and capacity. Securing flights early could help lock in current prices and provide a wider choice of destinations and departure dates before demand increases further.

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