iStockScottish holidaymakers could face flight disruptions this summer, even if the war in the Middle East ends soon.
Professor John Underhill from Aberdeen University warned summer getaways could be impacted amid a hike in the price of jet fuel.
The energy expert said the closure of Grangemouth, Scotland’s only oil refinery, has left the UK in a vulnerable position.
Professor Underhill told STV News that shortages of jet fuel could be likely.
“It will become more expensive, it will become more challenging, we will have, I think, unfortunately, shortages,” he said.
“There are trade offs and decisions and choices to be made by airlines as to who pays the extra amount, or do they choose in fact, to withdraw some of those services.
“Maybe they will be forced to do so.”
Earlier this week, budget airline Ryanair warned passengers that as many as one in ten flights could be cancelled if the war in Iran continues.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary told ITV News said the message from the airline industry is that “the sooner this war is over the better”.
He said that the UK was most vulnerable country in Europe when it comes to rising jet fuel prices “because of the market share that the Kuwaitis have here”.
His comments came as regional airline Skybus announced flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick would be abruptly cancelled from April 2, due to “circumstances beyond our control”.
It comes as drivers have been facing soaring costs at the pumps in recent weeks as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, with the price of filling the average family car with diesel rising to more than £100 for the first time in three years.
Some petrol stations have been forced to close after running out of fuel, as holidaymakers looked to fill up their tanks ahead of the long Easter weekend.
US President Donald Trump issued an expletive-laden threat to Iran on Sunday, stating he would escalate strikes on the country and its infrastructure if it doesn’t open the Strait of Hormuz by his deadline.
He vowed the “crazy b******s” would be “living in Hell” if the strait, a crucial waterway for global trade, isn’t opened to marine traffic by Tuesday.
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