Lufthansa: 'Fuel guaranteed for summer flights'

Airlines are trying to reassure customers about fuel availability ahead of the summer holidays, inviting them to book without fear. From Lufthansa to easyJet to Ryanair, major European carriers are spreading reassuring messages at the time of year when the peak of summer travel is expected.

"There are no signs coming from our suppliers to suggest that there is a risk of disruptions in fuel supply this summer," saidLufthansa commercial director Dieter Vranckx in an interview published by the company. "Our customers can count on us.

Concerns about fuel availability, however, have increased in recent weeks due to the substantial closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the war in Iran. Despite this scenario, Lufthansa continues to focus on strong travel demand to meet its financial targets for the current year. In fact, the company expects 'significantly higher' profits than in 2024, despite having to contend with rising fuel costs and labour disputes.

The group estimates that it will recover about 60 per cent of the higher fuel costs in the second quarter and more than 100 per cent in the second half of the year, thanks to the possibility of passing on some of the increases in ticket prices. However, according to Bernstein analysts led by Alex Irving, this forecast remains 'difficult to fully support'.

EasyJet also relies on customer reassurance through its 'Book without worries' programme. Indeed, the company guarantees that "the fare at the time of booking is exactly what the customer will pay", with no fuel-related increases or surcharges, even if the carrier's costs should rise. In addition, the low-cost carrier offers a 15% discounted fare and assures that "the summer programme is already fully planned", excluding changes or cancellations. In the most extreme cases, there is still the possibility of obtaining a refund or re-booking on another flight.