Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Eivind Roald has cancelled some flights from London Gatwick Airport, and says more airlines are likely to axe journeys in the coming weeks
The boss of a major airline warns more flight cancellations are coming after his firm was forced to axe some journeys from the UK.
Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Eivind Roald has already been forced to cancel flights from London Gatwick Airport to Los Angeles. He says he was forced to act after the price of jet fuel skyrocketed “more than 100 per cent after a few days”.
Dozens of airlines across the world have been forced to cancel flights as Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway for global supplies – continues. Simultaneously, Donald Trump is still ordering the US Navy to blockade Iranian ports.
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Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Mr Roald revealed he expects airlines to keep cancelling flights. He said: “From our side we will continue flying from London Gatwick and from Athens and Rome this summer, we don’t have any plans to cancel more flights.
“When it comes to our competitors, I can’t really say, I assume you will see more cancellations coming, we often see it coming in short haul flights in Europe. The long haul flights are still there.”
After cancelling journeys between London and Los Angeles, Norse Atlantic said: “This cancellation is due to the unforeseen global fuel crisis, and we unfortunately – with [a] heavy heart – had to cancel our beloved LAX routes with too high fuel risk exposure.
“This will protect [a] sustainable future and our ability to remain a reliable service for our passengers this summer. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience, and apologise to passengers who have [had] their travel plans changed. We will assist disrupted passengers as best we can.”
The UK Government this afternoon issued a statement amid growing concerns over jet fuel shortages and the prospect of more flight cancellations. The Department for Transport responded following warnings from the European Union.
EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said this week: “Unfortunately, it’s very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets.”
The DfT has issued direct guidance to passengers booked with carriers including Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways
It said: “There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.”
“If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.”
