Spanish airlines Iberia, Vueling and Air Europa have all said they are maintaining their regular flight schedules with no changes to their flights or prices, despite rising fuel costs caused by the war in Iran.
Three major Spanish airlines have confirmed that they do not foresee significant cancellations or disruptions to their routes during the peak tourist season this summer and have agreed not to increase charges.
Many airlines have been warning of price hikes and cancellations for months due to the fuel crisis and some international companies have already added higher fares.
Spanish airlines, however, claim to have taken steps to minimise the impact on their operations and costs.
READ ALSO: Spain urges travellers to book summer flights now to avoid price hikes
Iberia announced it has implemented “rigorous cost-saving measures” to mitigate the impact that fluctuations in fuel prices could have on ticket prices and manage the costs without passing them on to ticket prices.
While budget airline Vueling emphasised the strength of its routes, which includes more than 100 destinations with multiple flights. This allows them to offer passengers alternatives in case of any potential disruptions. It also said that customers can request a refund if they choose.
Air Europa also told passengers that it does not foresee any significant changes to its routes or frequencies. The company stated that it has an “adequate plan” in force handle the peak season and make sure everything goes smoothly.
READ ALSO: Europe’s budget airlines first to cut flights as jet fuel prices soar
The only Spanish airline to have added a fuel surcharge so far is Voltea, which from March 16th, has charged an extra €14 per person per journey to help with costs.
The airline also did cancel some flights at the end of April, but these affected less than one percent of its total operations.
Spain’s Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo said this week that the government is “very attentive” to the evolution of the price of kerosene due to the war in Iran. “We are currently monitoring the situation very closely,” he stated.
Despite the promises by Spanish airlines, Cuerpo believes that the increase in the cost of aviation fuel could have consequences for the tourist season, both in Spain and throughout the EU.
READ ALSO: Will you be compensated if your European flight is cancelled due to jet fuel shortages?
He said that although Spain has a guaranteed kerosene supply, the situation requires a coordinated response at a European level.
The situation is not the same across the globe, Air France-KLM is not ruling out increasing long-haul ticket prices to help offset the rising cost of fuel, and American Airlines has already increased fees for checked baggage in basic economy class in response to the current situation and rising fuel costs.
