Airlines may be forced to cancel long-haul flights next month amid an expected jet fuel shortage.

The warning was revealed in an exclusive report by The Times and shared by its Political Editor, Steven Swinford, on X.

Industry experts say the looming shortage could disrupt services to major international destinations as fuel stockpiles decline and supply chain pressures persist.

The anticipated jet fuel shortage is largely linked to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for crude oil and refined products.

The disruption has tightened jet fuel supply worldwide, increasing pressure on both domestic and international airlines.

“Airlines have been warned that they will face jet fuel shortages as soon as next month, risking flight cancellations to long-haul destinations at the end of the busy Easter holiday period.

“Oil traders expect to see shortages of jet fuel from the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz within the coming weeks as reserve supplies are run down and not replaced,” it stated.

A number of countries, including China, Thailand and Vietnam, have curbed fuel exports to secure local supply, adding further strain to the global market.

The shortages present a major challenge for airlines preparing for peak travel periods, with long-haul routes especially exposed.

Such flights require large fuel reserves for both outbound and return legs, making them highly sensitive to supply disruptions.

Without reliable fuel access, airlines could be compelled to suspend services to key international destinations.

Airlines are said to be considering contingency measures, but the risk of cancellations in the coming weeks remains significant.

The situation underscores the fragility of global aviation in the face of geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran have significantly disrupted maritime energy trade, constraining global oil flows and tightening aviation fuel supply.