GATWICK AIRPORT WARNS OF JET FUEL SHORTAGE

Gatwick Airport has warned airlines of a jet fuel shortage expected to last two days following a technical fault at one of the airport's fuel farms. The alert was sent directly to pilots and advised them to "uplift max possible fuel at outstations"—effectively instructing crews to load as much fuel as possible at their departure airports outside the UK. The shortage is expected to cause disruption from Monday and could affect easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI and Jet2 services during the peak summer travel season.

The technical issue differs from supply problems linked to geopolitical events; the shortage stems from infrastructure failure rather than the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Short-haul carriers such as easyJet may be partially shielded from disruption, as they can load additional fuel from inbound European flights to bypass Gatwick's fuel pumps. Long-haul operators including British Airways face greater difficulties, particularly where flights had already departed before the warning was issued, as they cannot tanker fuel from overseas and depend entirely on Gatwick's local supply. An airline source told one publication that pilots will be limited by maximum take-off weight and maximum landing weight restrictions when loading fuel at foreign destinations.

A Gatwick Airport spokesperson stated the airport is "working closely with external suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and minimise any potential disruption" and that all airlines are "operating as normal". The airport advised airlines to monitor fuel availability closely. easyJet and British Airways have been contacted for comment on the potential impact to their operations.