Warning of rising aircraft prices in Europe inevitable due to Iran's war

Even though some airlines have been lowering their European prices recently due to lack of demand, Willie Wash said there was no way that airlines could afford additional costs over time.

He told the BBC there was still concern that industry in the United Kingdom could face fuel shortages during the summer, though he insisted there was no need for panic.

However, he noted that even if Hormuz Strait reopens tomorrow, the impact of disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East may still be felt next year.

A government spokesman said UK airlines were clearly"that they are currently not seeing fuel shortages for"aircraft.

The closure of the Hormuz Strait as a result of the Iran conflict has had a dramatic impact on fuel prices for aircraft and has raised concerns about possible shortages in the coming months.

Europe, and especially the United Kingdom, usually depend heavily on imports from the region and have tried to find alternative supplies.

Last week, for example, the EU said there was no regulatory reason why American quality aircraft fuel should not be used by European airlines, provided its introduction is carefully managed.

On Wednesday, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said he did not expect a serious lack in the short term, but could not exclude supply problems in the longer term.

The executive director of the tour operator Tui, Sebastien Ebel, also said he did not expect shortages in the coming months.

But Walsh said there were still concerns for UK operators.

I think the main problem facing the United Kingdom is time. Normally you are expected to see a 25% increase in fuel flights and demand in July and August compared to March", he explained.

"I think the concern will be that unless sufficient alternative supply is secured, there may be some shortages when we enter the peak period of the summer", he added.

However, he stressed that there was no reason for panic and that widespread flight cancellation could be avoided.

The rising fuel prices have already been reflected in the cost of long flights, some of which have seen significant increases.

But according to airline executives, some prices in Europe have actually fallen because carriers have introduced discounts in an effort to convince involuntari travellers to fly.

However, Walsh insisted that this situation would not last.

There is no way that airlines can afford the additional costs being experienced", he explained.

There may be some cases when airlines will make discounts to stimulate a traffic flow... But in time it is inevitable that the high price of oil will be reflected in higher ticket prices", it stressed, among other things.

He added that cutting off crude oil supplies and damage to refining objects in the Gulf mean that even if Hormuz Strait is now re-opened, fuel prices are unlikely to be lowered quickly.

Whatever you see, I think this problem will continue for the next few months and can continue next year", he said.

A government spokesman added that fuel suppliers carry"tric fuel supplied to support their stability"and that the government was working with the aviation industry to keep flights operational, and was consulting on"measures to help airlines plan realistic schedule travel schedules, which would avoid last-minute disruptions and protect holiday". /Telegraphy/