Aviation and business travel industry leaders have rebuffed reports in the consumer press that fuel shortages are leading to flights cancellations this summer.

Commenting on media speculation about the impact of the oil crisis on jet fuel supplies, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, insisted that UK airlines are operating normally and fuel supplies remain stable with good visibility.

“To be clear, no flights are being cancelled due to fuel shortages and reports to this effect are incorrect,” he said.

Speaking at this week’s Advantage Travel Partnership, Alderslade said air fares might even go down as UK airlines look to entice bookings from nervous consumers.

Representatives from the Business Travel Association (BTA) also played down the issue when interviewed on television and radio programmes.

BTA CEO Clive Wratten described the situation as “serious and evolving” but added: “The headlines can be misleading if you are looking at this from a UK standpoint. The vast majority of cancellations being reported are Middle Eastern carriers affected by the current Foreign Office restrictions on the UAE. Most UK carriers are continuing to operate as normal.”

He pointed out that airlines are experienced at managing “situations like this” by “consolidating flights, working with government on slot alleviation, and doing everything possible to get passengers to their destinations”.

“The industry is watching fuel supply developments very closely. Every day this continues adds pressure. But this is a resilient, well-organised sector that will do its utmost to minimise disruption,” he said.

BTA Commercial Director Andrew Clarke stressed the difference between the impact of any cancellations on leisure travel and business travel.

“A million managed business travellers fly from UK airports this summer, and for them, this isn’t a leisure choice, they are travelling for work,” he said.