ABTA responds to update from government on jet fuel and plans for new consultation

Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA - The Travel Association said:

"ABTA welcomes this move from the UK government to provide additional reassurance and confidence to people that they can go ahead and book their summer break.

"Strong consumer protections exist which already provide peace of mind to UK holidaymakers; and ABTA and our members work hard to uphold those rights.

"It is right for policymakers to take steps that enable the aviation sector to plan and to provide additional certainty, but the government's consultation must consider all parts of the travel sector - including travel agents and tour operators. The Middle East conflict affects all of the industry, and a holistic approach is required.

"At times like these, it's important the industry has an open dialogue with government about what is happening right now, potential challenges in the future should the situation change, and measures of support that may be needed.

"We're doing just that, meeting government and airline colleagues on a regular basis to provide the perspective from the whole industry - making sure they understand how any impacts would be felt by our members. We'll use this consultation as another opportunity to do that.

"Alongside that engagement, our main focus at this time is to reassure people that travel is still going ahead."