Facing mounting flight cancellations linked to a global jet-fuel shortage, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot summoned airline executives on 6 May and publicly insisted that carriers “respect passenger rights” for refunds and rebooking. The plea follows reports that low-cost carrier Volotea has added a €14 surcharge to tickets already purchased and that more than 18,000 flights worldwide were cut in April due to fuel constraints. The crisis stems from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle-East tensions, choking Europe’s kerosene supply. Ryanair warns it has guaranteed fuel only until the end of May, while analytics firm Cirium says France’s summer seat capacity is down by several million compared with 2025. Tabarot acknowledged airlines’ difficulties but stressed the EU’s compensation rules remain in force. For corporate travel programmes, the message is double-edged. On one hand, companies may claw back costs when flights are axed; on the other, they face higher fares and the administrative burden of tracking refunds. Some firms are switching short-haul trips to rail—though June’s planned SNCF strike could limit that option. Brittany Ferries, meanwhile, has pledged not to raise ticket prices, providing an alternative for UK–France crossings. Tabarot promised to “clarify” surcharge legality within days and hinted at temporary tax relief to help airlines with fuel bills—a measure lobby group FNAM has requested since March. Mobility managers should prepare scenario plans that combine flexible booking classes, intermodal travel and remote-work contingencies should the fuel crunch deepen into the summer peak.
Source: The Connexion
