Jet2 issues holiday update over ‘booking profiles’

Jet2 has released a fresh update today, Wednesday, April 29

Jet2 has issued a new statement as UK tourists try to plan their summer holidays. The airline has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly leaving their trip bookings until the eleventh hour following the outbreak of the Iran war.

It comes amid growing unease over the conflict’s potential consequences and concerns surrounding jet fuel availability. The company reported that summer passenger bookings have risen by 6.2% so far, driven by expansion across both its airline and package holiday operations.

Yet in a telling indication of heightened anxiety among travellers, it disclosed that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” as a result of the Middle East conflict, reports Bristol Live. The firm stated it has strong protection against the surge in fuel costs triggered by the Iran war throughout the summer period, adding it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.

The group’s load factor – a critical indicator of how effectively it fills its aircraft – has held steady year-on-year during its first quarter to date, though it acknowledged the conflict has created limited visibility for the peak summer months and beyond. The update came after Heathrow airport issued a separate warning on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be affected by the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Airspace closures following the outbreak of war in the Middle East on February 28 have dealt a significant blow to air travel, and while much of the region’s airspace has since reopened, large numbers of passengers are steering clear of the area due to the ongoing conflict. A number of European airlines have also recently raised the alarm over looming jet fuel shortages expected within weeks, as disruption to their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz continues to bite.

Approximately three quarters of Europe’s jet fuel supply originates from the Middle East and passes through the vital shipping lane. Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, said: “Clearly, we continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East but remain focused on our medium-term goals.”

The group anticipates reporting a decline in operating profits to between £435 million and £440 million for the year ending March 31, down from £446.5 million in 2024-25, though it noted this was consistent with market expectations. It has expanded its summer 2026 programme by 7.7% to 19.9 million passenger seats.