EasyJet has reported a downturn in summer flight bookings compared to last year, citing uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The budget airline has sold 58% of its seats for the six months ending in September, a decrease of two percentage points from the previous year.

Despite this, last-minute bookings made within a month of departure have actually increased year-on-year. The airline disclosed a pre-tax loss of £552 million for the first half of the year, compared to £401 million in the prior year.

EasyJet highlighted that the ongoing conflict is impacting its financial performance, leading to higher fuel costs and uncertainty in customer demand. The airline faced around £25 million in additional jet fuel expenses in March alone due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Rising oil prices, influenced by events such as Iran’s control over vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, are driving up jet fuel costs. Concerns have been raised about potential fuel shortages leading to flight cancellations in the UK.

Despite these challenges, EasyJet’s CEO, Kenton Jarvis, assured that the airline is not facing disruptions in fuel supply and urged passengers to book confidently. He emphasized the airline’s ability to navigate the current environment due to its robust financial position.

In contrast, Jet2 announced an increase in production and the arrival of additional imports from regions unaffected by the Middle East conflict. The airline reassured customers of its commitment to operating normally throughout the summer without imposing extra charges to cover rising costs like jet fuel.

Jet2 also reaffirmed its dedication to customer satisfaction by offering flexibility and swift refunds in case of flight or holiday cancellations. The airline’s track record of prioritizing customer needs, particularly during the Covid pandemic, has earned it recognition as a consumer-friendly carrier.