holidays – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know

UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving

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.

Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?

UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.

Do you need to change your travel plans?

There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.

We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.

We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.

Read about the latest action that government is taking to to protect summer holidays from disruption.

Are airlines cancelling lots of flights?

While there has been media reporting on flights cancelled internationally, Cirium has stated that its data shows only 0.53% of the UK’s planned flights for May 2026 have been cancelled. The Department for Transport (DfT) analysis of OAG data shows that only around 1,200 flights departing from the UK have been cancelled from 3 May to 14 June 2026. This represents less than 1% of planned flights over this period and is within the range of the number of cancellations we would expect within that period.

Airlines often change or remove a small number of flights based on demand and other operational factors, and we continue to monitor the situation. Reductions to summer flight schedules have predominantly been to countries in closer proximity to the Middle East due to the conflict.

How is the government protecting passengers?

Under UK law, if your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or to be booked onto an alternative flight if you:

depart from an airport in the UK on any airline
arrive at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
arrive at an airport in the EU on a UK airline

For more information about your rights, you can:

speak directly to your airline, travel agent or tour operator
visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for guidance on delays and cancellations
read the air passenger travel guide

What is government doing?

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we have been closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving and businesses are supported.

We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.

How are airlines being supported?

At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.

Under normal rules, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season to keep them for the following year. If they fall below this threshold, those slots can be reassigned to another airline. This is known as the ‘use it or lose it’ rule.

Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying. Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.

The government is also seeking industry views on slot rules for the summer 2026 and winter 2026 seasons. The temporary measures would allow airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.

This means airlines can better plan ahead and focus on minimising disruption for passengers. It can also reduce fuel consumption by consolidating passengers onto fewer flights, rather than feeling pressure to operate flights purely to protect their slots.

Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know

UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving

Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?

Do you need to change your travel plans?

Read about the latest action that government is taking to to protect summer holidays from disruption.

How is the government protecting passengers?

Under UK law, if your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or to be booked onto an alternative flight if you:

depart from an airport in the UK on any airline
arrive at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
arrive at an airport in the EU on a UK airline

For more information about your rights, you can:

speak directly to your airline, travel agent or tour operator
visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for guidance on delays and cancellations
read the air passenger travel guide

What is government doing?

We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.

How are airlines being supported?

At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.

Government sets out plans to protect summer holidays from disruption

There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption

summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses
lightning consultation launched to provide airlines flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, prevent last-minute disruptions and cancellations
Transport Secretary reiterates passengers are entitled to be re-routed or refunded if their flight is cancelled by the airline

Passengers will have their summer holidays better protected as government sets out plans today (3 May 2026), which will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.  

The contingency preparations are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by enabling airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short‑notice changes at the airport.

While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead. 

These temporary measures would allow airlines to, for example, consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day. 

Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, the measures would:

help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes

The Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on 30 April 2026, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Britain flying this summer. 

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:  “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. 

“There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer. 

“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”

The measures being considered will allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. ‘Hand backs’ help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty ‘ghost flights’ or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.

This will build on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages. 

The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur.

The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.

As part of today’s action, the government is upping awareness of the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund.

If a flight is subject to a significant delay –  at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.

“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.

“We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.”

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: “While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.

“We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.”

If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.

Further information on passenger rights is available in the Air passenger travel guide.

Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know

UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving

Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?

Do you need to change your travel plans?

How is the government protecting passengers?

Under UK law, if your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or to be booked onto an alternative flight if you:

depart from an airport in the UK on any airline
arrive at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
arrive at an airport in the EU on a UK airline

For more information about your rights, you can:

speak directly to your airline, travel agent or tour operator
visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for guidance on delays and cancellations
read the air passenger travel guide

What is government doing?

We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.

How are airlines being supported?

At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.

This means airlines can focus on minimising disruption for passengers, rather than feeling pressure to operate flights purely to protect their slots.

Jet2 celebrates 20 years of operating from Scotland

Milestone anniversary of 20 years of Jet2 at Edinburgh Airport and 15 years from Glasgow Airport this year
UK’s favourite airline and tour operator marked the occasion with a celebration at Edinburgh Airport
91 routes now on sale from Scottish bases, representing significant growth and expansion since first flights took off

Jet2 is celebrating 20 years of operating award-winning flights and holidays from Scotland.

The UK’s favourite airline and tour operator has reached the key milestone after seeing its first flight from Edinburgh Airport take off in 2006 and from Glasgow Airport in 2011. Since the start of operations from two of Scotland’s busiest airports, over 22 million customers have travelled with Jet2 and experienced its VIP customer service the company has become known for.

To mark the occasion, during the busy morning of departures from Edinburgh Airport yesterday (22^nd April) customers and colleagues came together to celebrate the long-established partnership.

The check-in area at Edinburgh Airport was adorned in red, holidaymakers received a famously friendly welcome from Jet2’s Red Team, and one lucky customer was surprised with a free pair of return flights with Jet2.com, to mark 20 years of the airline flying from the airport base.

When Jet2’s first flight took off from Edinburgh Airport to Murcia 20 years ago and from Glasgow Airport to Alicante 15 years ago, the airline and tour operator had just two destinations on sale from Edinburgh Airport and seven from Glasgow Airport. Since its inaugural flights departed, the company has experienced continued growth and success to become the UK’s third largest airline, with Jet2holidays taking the top spot as the UK’s largest tour operator.

As a result of that growth, Jet2 now has 51 destinations on sale from Edinburgh Airport. From Glasgow Airport, the airline and tour operator operates to 40 sun, ski and city destinations, offering customers and independent travel agents in Scotland fantastic choice and flexibility when it comes to reaching their favourite hotspots across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Jet2 continues to expand its offering from Edinburgh Airport, with three new routes on sale for Summer 2026. The new routes are to Girona, Kalamata and Kefalonia and means Jet2 is operating its biggest programme to date from Edinburgh Airport. Looking further ahead, the airline and tour operator will also introduce even more new destinations, including Strasbourg, Sharm El Sheikh, Chania, Skiathos and Pula from Edinburgh Airport.

As Jet2 also celebrates 15 years of operating from Glasgow Airport, its expansion further into Scotland was a strategic move and marked the opening of the airline’s eighth base, establishing it as a key leisure carrier in Scotland.

Jet2 has continued to grow its presence at Glasgow Airport and has two new routes on sale from the Scottish base for Summer 2026, including services to Dubrovnik and Kos. From February 2027, flights and holidays will also launch to Hurghada.

In Summer 2026, Jet2 has over 200 flights departing per week and more than 2.2 million seats on sale from Scotland, meaning customers and independent travel agents have plenty of choice and flexibility.

Over the past two decades, Jet2.com’sVIP customer service, friendly low fares, 10kg hand baggage allowance and great flight times have proven popular amongst customers travelling from Scotland, enabling the company to expand significantly at Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports. As a result of this industry leading customer service, Jet2.com has repeatedly won renowned accolades including being named a Which? Recommended Provider for 11 consecutive years.

Now the UK’s largest tour operator, package holiday specialist Jet2holidays was launched in 2007 on the back of the airline’s success. With its ATOL protected package holidays combining a choice of 2 to 5 star accommodation, in-resort Customer Helpers, return transfers, plus flights including 22kg hold luggage, this award-winning formula has proven extremely popular amongst holidaymakers.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Celebrating 20 years of operations in Scotland is a massive milestone for us and we are proud to be marking this significant event.

“Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports remain key UK airport bases for Jet2, and just like the last 20 years, we have no doubt that our offering from Scotland will continue to grow as we remain committed to our long-established partnership with the Scottish bases.

“As well as looking back at all that we have achieved over the last 20 years, we are looking ahead to even more success at Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports and look forward to many more years of operating our award-winning flights and holidays.”

Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Jet2 has been a hugely important partner for Edinburgh Airport over the last 20 years.

“Since launching its first flight from Edinburgh in 2006, Jet2 has become a key part of our connectivity, providing millions of passengers with fantastic choice.

“The continued expansion of Jet2’s routes, including new ones for summer 2026, demonstrates the strength of demand from Scotland and our shared commitment to offering passengers even more choice when they travel.

“We look forward to building on this partnership for many years to come.”

Visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

Independent travel agents can visit: trade.jet2holidays.com

Easter ski bookings surge 76% as search interest hits five-year high

Fly from Edinburgh Airport for under £500pp

With the Easter school holidays falling two weeks earlier this year and recent heavy snowfall across the Alps, 2026 is shaping up to be a bumper year for Easter ski trips. Current Google Trends and booking data reveal a dramatic spike in demand.

The latest figures from Heidi, the UK’s second-largest ski holiday operator, show Easter ski bookings have jumped 76% year-on-year, which reflects a surge in online UK search interest.

According to current Google Trends data (captured on 23 February 2026*), UK search interest for “easter skiing” is up 144% year-on-year,and has more than tripled for “spring skiing”, which is up 335%. Both terms have reached their highest level in five years, highlighting growing interest in late-season ski breaks:

Italy benefiting from Winter Olympics spotlight

Heidi also reports a shift in Easter destination trends this year, with Italian resorts gaining ground on French favourites – likely a halo effect from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which has showcased the Dolomites and other Italian ski areas to UK audiences.

Last Easter, Heidi’s top-selling resorts were largely French favourites, including Avoriaz, Flaine, Val Thorens, and La Plagne. This year, several Italian resorts – including Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, and Selva di Val Gardena – have moved into the top sellers list, alongside Kirchberg in Austria.

While classic high-altitude Alpine resorts have traditionally been the safest bet for late-season skiing, recent heavy snowfall has broadened the range of viable destinations, appealing to families and budget-conscious skiers.

Why Easter skiing is growing in popularity

Easter offers several advantages over the February half-term peak, making it ideal for families and beginners:

Quieter slopes and shorter lift queues
Longer daylight hours
Milder, sunnier weather
Better-value prices

Marcus Blunt, Co-founder at Heidi, comments: “With the Easter holidays falling earlier this year and exceptional recent snowfall across the Alps, we’re set for a strong spring ski season ahead.

“The surge in Easter bookings reflects this, and there’s increased demand for Italian resorts compared to last year – likely a halo effect from the Winter Olympics spotlight.”

Top Easter family ski deals under £500pp

With five weeks left to book and Heidi’s late-season sale underway, there are great deals available, whether you’re after a full week or a short break:

Font-Romeu (Pyrenees), France – 7 nights – £390pp – Includes 7 nights’ self-catering at Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Pédrou, return Edinburgh – Barcelona flights, and private airport transfers. Departing Monday 30 March 2026

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – 5 nights – £469pp – Includes 3 nights’ B&B Hotel Alaska Cortina, return Edinburgh – Venice flights, and airport transfers. Departing Tues 31 March 2026

Flaine, France – 4 nights – £431pp – Includes 4 nights’ self-catering at Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Forêt, return Edinburgh – Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Weds 8 April 2026

Seefeld, Austria – 4 nights – £490pp – Includes 4 nights’ self-catering at Apartment Torri di Seefeld,return Edinburgh – Munich/Innsbruck -Edinburgh flights, and airport transfers. Departing Weds 1 April 2026

La Plagne, France – 3 nights – £423pp – Includes 3 nights’ self-catering at Maeva Particuliers Residence Les Constellations, return Edinburgh – Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Monday 30 March 2026

Jet2 gears up for bumper weekend and launches new sale

Holidaymakers can enjoy an extra £100 off per booking on Summer 26 holidays with the UK’s favourite tour operator

New sale is on top of £100 off per person and super low £25 per person booking deposit too!

The second weekend January is a bumper weekend for holiday bookings, and Jet2 is spreading even more sunshine by launching an unmissable sale that gives customers even bigger holiday savings.

The UK’s favourite tour operator is giving customers the chance to enjoy £100 off all Summer 26 bookings by using the code NOTHINGBEATS. This applies to all holidays and city breaks departing between 1^st April and 31^st October 2026, but customers need to hurry as the code ends at 23.59 on 12^th January 2026.

This new sale comes on top of an existing sale offering customers £100 off per person on ALL holidays, including Summer 26 holidays. As a result, a family of four can enjoy a saving of £500, on top of millions of Free Child Places this summer, and a couple can save £300 when booking a Summer 26 holiday.

The good news does not end there, as the UK’s largest tour operator is also running a super-low £25 per person deposit across Summer 26 holidays, which ends on 23.59 on 12^th January 2026.

Jet2holidays is gearing up for a bumper weekend, as customers look to book a holiday with the award-winning company. The tour operator has reported continued demand from customers relishing the famous ‘Nothing beats’ experience, including the fact that booking a Jet2holiday means flying with Jet2.com and their friendly crew.

As well as a VIP customer service from start to finish, customers can enjoy 22kg baggage allowance, 10kg hand luggage, under-seat bag, return transfers, as well as ABTA and ATOL protection.

Customers looking to book a flight with Jet2.com this Winter also have plenty to smile about, whether it’s for some Winter Sun, a ski break or a city break, as the award-winning airline has also today released 70,000 one-way seats departing until 31st March 2026 at £49 or less.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2 said: “We know that this weekend is shaping up to be a busy one, with customers booking their spot in the sunshine with us.

“We always want to give our customers even more to smile about, so we are delighted to be announcing even more money off our award-winning holidays this Summer.

“With truly fantastic deals on offer, alongside our famous customer service and nothing beats reputation, we are looking forward to welcoming lots of happy customers onboard with us this summer, including of course from our brand-new UK airport base at London Gatwick.”

To view terms and conditions please visit: https://www.jet2holidays.com/promotions

To take advantage of this sale, visit:

https://www.jet2holidays.com/ and https://www.jet2.com/

Friends of Granton Castled Walled Garden: Winter Break

The garden will remain closed between 19 December and 5 January.*

Our last volunteering session of the year will take place on 19 December, and we will be welcoming volunteers again through our gates on 5 January.

If you would like to visit the garden and are not a volunteer, our visiting hours are 1-3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Last chance to visit this year is on 14 December. We are looking forward to seeing you again on 10 January.

Wishing you all a lovely festive season.