Britain looks set to be one of the countries hardest hit by jet fuel shortages this summer, with warnings that millions more seats will be cut from airline schedules in May and June.
Several carriers, including Germany’s Lufthansa, have already slashed schedules to save fuel, with at least 13,000 flights – representing two million fewer seats – cancelled worldwide by airlines already this month.
Other carriers, including easyJet and British Airways, have warned that prices will have to rise as airlines’ fuel bills rocket.
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NEWS
Police seek UK trial for Madeleine McCann suspect
Undated photo of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal. (Picture: PA)
Met Police detectives are reportedly seeking to bring UK charges against sex offender Christian Brueckner over the abduction and murder of Madeleine McCann.
But the German constitution prevents the extradition of its citizens to non-EU countries, which could lead Berlin to reject the request.
Why Brexit could stop Brueckner from being tried in Britain
Detectives are reportedly trying to bring the Madeleine McCann suspect to the UK for trial – but a Brexit-related rule could stop it.
Since 2021, Britain and Germany have had a reciprocal extradition pact under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
But under Article 16 of the German constitution, no citizen can be extradited to a non-EU country.
Before Brexit, Brueckner could have been extradited to the UK without issue.
Germany is one of 10 EU countries that has imposed a ‘nationality bar’, which blocks extradition of its own citizens.
What happened?
Christian Brueckner, who has a history of violent sex crimes, is due to be released from a German prison by 17 September (Photo: Moritz Frankenberg/AFP via Getty Images)
Madeleine was three years old when she went missing from a resort in Portugal in 2007. Christian Brueckner was living a mile away.
He was named by British police as a prime suspect while serving a prison sentence in Germany for rape, but denies involvement in Madeline’s disappearance.
Explained
4 min read
What are the options?
One option could be for Brueckner to be extradited from Germany to Portugal, where he could either be prosecuted or extradited to the UK. He could still be extradited to the UK if he left Germany.
Caption: The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing from 10 years ago on May 3rd. Her parents Kate and Gerry McCann were eating in the Club with friends and other parents. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 2, 2017. The parents of Madeleine McCann have vowed to do ?whatever it takes for as long as it takes? to find her as they prepare to mark the tenth anniversary of her disappearance. See PA story POLICE Portugal. Photo credit should read: Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Photographer: Steve Parsons,
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Caption: Parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann, Kate (L) and Gerry McCann (R) pose with an artist’s impression of how their daughter might look now at the age of nine ahead of a press conference in central London on May 2, 2012 five years after Madeleine’s disappearance while on a family holiday in Portugal. Aged three at the time, the artist’s impression depicts how Madeleine may now look, based on family photos of her, along with childhood images of her parents. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/GettyImages)
Photographer: LEON NEAL
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The lead German prosecutor, Hans Christian Wolters, said the investigation is ongoing, but there are no plans for further searches in Portugal or elsewhere.
WORLD
The European nation being torn apart by migrant amnesty
Caption: Migrants queue at a public service office to obtain paperwork needed to apply for Spain’s immigration amnesty, which could allow hundreds of thousands of people to obtain legal status, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Photographer: Emilio Morenatti
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Source: AP
People queued overnight outside the embassy of The Gambia in Madrid to get legal documents under Spain’s migration amnesty programme.
But when they were told no appointments were available, some clambered over the wall in chaotic scenes that went viral.
What’s the latest?
Anxiety over Spain’s divisive immigration scheme
Many migrants travelled from across Spain and paid €120 (£104) each to get legal documents.
The scheme, which runs until the end of June, offers undocumented migrants a one-year legal resident permit.
The Gambian embassy incident prompted renewed criticism of the left-wing government’s scheme.
It highlighted pressures on officials dealing with a huge number of cases in a short period of time.
Do Spaniards support the scheme?
The latest poll shows…
52% for, 48% against
Caption: Migrants queue at a public service office to obtain paperwork needed to apply for Spain’s immigration amnesty, which could allow hundreds of thousands of people to obtain legal status, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Photographer: Emilio Morenatti
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Source: AP
The scheme is expected to grant at least 500,000 migrants legal status, although police have predicted that more than one million could take advantage of it.
WORLD
4 min read
Spain chooses ‘dignity, community and justice’
Some say we have gone too far, that we are going against the current. But I would like to ask you, when did recognising rights become something radical? When did empathy become something exceptional?
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER, PEDRO SÁNCHEZ
Caption: FILE PHOTO: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez takes part in a talk on The Future of Multilateralism: A Coalition to Tackle Global Challenges at the 2025 Global Progress Action Summit, in London, Britain, September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Jack Taylor/File Photo
Photographer: Jack Taylor
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Copyright: TEERAYUT CHAISARN
HEALTH
The inflatable ‘gentle’ forceps for childbirth
More than 300 babies have been born with inflatable forceps, the first breakthrough in childbirth assistance in decades.
It is hoped that the device, called the OdonAssist, could reduce birth trauma. It will be rolled out to 40 hospitals across Britain and Europe.
How new forceps could revolutionise childbirth
Around one in eight people will have an assisted vaginal birth using forceps or vacuum extraction.
Women may have bleeding or tears and marks can be left on the baby.
Inflatable forceps work by surrounding the baby’s head with a soft air cuff, allowing doctors to help remove it more gently.
In trials, patients reported no or low pain in more than 95 per cent of births where OdonAssist was used.
Analysis
5 min read
How ‘gentle’ forceps were invented
From a prototype using a jar and a doll to development by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The OdonAssist was thought up by a mechanic in Argentina in 2006 called Jorge Odón.
He created the first prototype using a jar, a cloth and his daughter’s doll.
It was then taken up by Mario Merialdi, of the WHO, who refined the idea for clinical use.
It was created by Maternal Newborn Health Innovations, a public benefit corporation to help reduce avoidable pain.
Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Beyonc?? attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Photographer: Kevin Mazur/MG26
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Copyright: 2026 Kevin Mazur/MG26
FASHION
The best looks at this year’s Met Gala
Celebrities took to the red carpet to show off their outfits for this year’s Met Gala theme: costume art. The annual event raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
Here are all the top looks, from Beyoncé’s embellished skeleton get-up to Heidi Klum’s marble statue design.
The most talked-about looks
Beyoncé returned to the red carpet with her family in tow, while Heidi Klum – known for her extravagant Halloween outfits – blended in with the marble statues in the museum.
Caption: This is a PA photo of Beyonce (R) and Blue Ivy Carter at the Met Gala. See PA Feature FASHION Met. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FASHION Met. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Matt Crossick/PA
NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FASHION Met
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Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Heidi Klum attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Photographer: Cindy Ord/MG26
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Copyright: 2026 Cindy Ord/MG26
Star-studded red carpet
Anna Wintour
Global editorial director of Vogue, Anna Wintour, graced the red carpet with an aquamarine feathered number.
Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Anna Wintour and Bee Shaffer attend The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/GC Images)
Photographer: Noam Galai
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Copyright: 2026 Noam Galai
Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Bad Bunny attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
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Copyright: 2026 Taylor Hill
Bad Bunny
The reggaeton singer was unrecognisable in his costume, donned with prosthetics, wrinkles and sunspots.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
The pop power couple closed down the red carpet, as has become tradition.
Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: (L-R) A$AP Rocky and Rihanna attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/FilmMagic)
Photographer: Theo Wargo
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Copyright: 2026 FilmMagic
From Oscar winners to stage stars
Caption: NEW YORK, NY – MAY 04: Nicole Kidman is seen at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) 15790403
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Nicole Kidman
The Oscar-winning actress stunned in a red sequin and feathered gown by Chanel.
Jordan Roth
Broadway’s Jordan Roth transformed into a living sculpture with a clay-coloured gown enveloped by a figure.
Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Jordan Roth attends The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/GC Images)
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Copyright: 2026 Noam Galai
Caption: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Madonna attends the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)
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Copyright: 2026 TheStewartofNY
Madonna
Madonna pushed the boat out with a tall ship headpiece and an ethereal grey veil.
‘A lot of people who don’t like Jews in the first place have found oxygen for their poisonous views,’ says Simon Kelner (Photo: Carlos Jasso/AFP via Getty)
CRIME
Counter terror police investigating arson at former synagogue
Counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue.
Jewish security charity Shomrim said that fire crews were called out to the building in Nelson Street, Whitechapel, east London, in the early hours of Tuesday.
What happened?
The incident is being investigated alongside a number of apparent attacks on Jewish sites in London since late March.
Officers were called just before 5.15am on Tuesday by the London Fire Brigade. Minor damage had been caused to a set of gates and a lock at the front of the building. CCTV showed that the fire had been started deliberately minutes before.
OPINION
4 min read
OPINION
3 min read
What did the police say?
The building targeted has not been operational as a synagogue for some years but that will be of little comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and beyond, who are first in my thoughts this morning.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 23: A member of the community holds up a banner reading “I Stand Against Anti Semitism” after four Hatzolah ambulances were set on fire overnight on March 23, 2026 in London, England. Firefighters were called to the scene at around 1:40AM and the fire was brought under control just after 3:00 AM. Hatzola is a volunteer organisation that provides Jewish people emergency medical response and free transportation to hospitals. The Metropolitan Police said they are treating the incident as an “antisemitic hate crime.” (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Photographer: Leon Neal
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Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
Are you ready for a change?
One career expert shares the surefire signs you’re ready for the next step in your career, and how to turn fear into excitement for new opportunities.
The research
Our research shows almost half of all workers (45 per cent) are ready for a complete career transition, but 49 per cent feel stuck on what to pursue next. The rapid shifts brought about by AI can be intimidating, but it will also create opportunities…
CHARLOTTE DAVIES, LINKEDIN UK CAREER EXPERT
Young woman at her first job interview with the owner of a coffee shop – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Signs you’ve outgrown your role
(Photo: Getty).
It’s an energy drain
If you’re clocking in and out with zero energy, that could be a sign of burnout by boredom.
You’re not learning
If you can handle all tasks on autopilot, you are not challenging yourself. Instead you’re operating purely on muscle memory.
Education, laptop and typing with student friends in library of university together for learning or study. Computer, development or growth with serious men and women on college campus for scholarship – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
(Photo: DMP/Getty Images).
You don’t feel valued
It can be extremely demotivating, and if it occurs consistently, it’s a strong signal that it might be time to consider moving on.
Your brain has started a side project
Caption: Side hustles
Photographer: swissmediavision
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+
When you are seeking out professional development and learning opportunities elsewhere that should be happening at work, it’s a huge signal that you need a job that keeps up with your ambition.
LIFESTYLE
7 min read
You don’t see a path to promotion
Medium shot of businessman leading meeting in office conference room – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
If you go into a meeting asking for a growth plan or a promotion roadmap and all you get are vague promises and non-committal language, that’s actually your answer: they aren’t planning for your potential.
A manager who truly values you should be able to list specific training, projects or goals to get you to the next level.
What to do next
You don’t need to make drastic moves.
The very first step is to diagnose the root cause if things feel unsettled, and don’t just assume it’s the job itself.
Find someone trustworthy to talk to. This isn’t a complaint session, it’s about getting perspective.
Refresh your LinkedIn profile and start reviving your in-person network.
Thinking of a new field? Check out a short course or certification to ‘test the waters’ before jumping.
George Michael in 1985 during the Wham! years (Photo: Michael Putland/Getty)
music
Careless Whisper voted nation’s favourite
George Michael’s beloved 1984 hit has been ranked the number one track for the eighth year running.
His 1986 hit A Different Corner came in at number two.
I’m never gonna dance again
Careless Whisper came top of Smooth Radio’s All Time Top 500 list.
Michael’s first breakaway single from Wham!, he penned the lyrics when he was just 17-years-old.
Smooth Radio presenter Kate Garraway said: “It’s a fitting tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time.”
George Michael: Outed wil be broadcast on Channel 4 (Photo: Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty)
MUSIC
7 min read
Top of the pops
1Careless Whisper – George Michael
2A Different Corner – George Michael
3Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
4Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson
5Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon and Garfunkel
ROYAL FAMILY
Princess Eugenie pregnant with third child
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have moved into Frogmore Cottage, the Grade II listed home of Meghan and Harry. It is understood the Sussexes will retain the residence near Windsor Castle but Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank, who married in 2018, will share the property. (Photo: David Mirzoeff/PA Wire)
Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are “very pleased” to be expecting their third child to be born this summer, Buckingham Palace said.
The King is “delighted” with the news, while the couple’s sons August, five, and Ernest, two, are “very excited” to welcome a younger sister or brother to the family.
What you need to know
In a photograph shared by Eugenie, 36, Ernest and August can be seen holding a picture of a baby scan. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their third child together, due this summer.”
Analysis
3 min read
OPINION
3 min read
Could the new baby be king or queen?
Caption: Sarah, Duchess of York with her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at University College Hospital, London. Picture date: Wednesday April 23, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Sarah. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Photographer: Aaron Chown
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The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 15th in line to the throne, with the Duke of Edinburgh moving down to 16th place.
NEWS
4 min read
Fifth grandchild for Andrew
The new arrival will be the fifth grandchild of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following the birth of Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena Mapelli Mozzi in January last year.
Caption: (L-R) Britain’s Princess Eugenie of York, Britain’s Princess Beatrice of York and Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York leave Buckingham Palace to meet guests at the Patron’s Lunch, a special street party outside Buckingham Palace in London on June 12, 2016, as part of the three day celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s official 90th birthday. Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the Patron’s Lunch along with the monarch, her husband Prince Philip, Prince William and Prince Harry. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JUSTIN TALLIS
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been mostly laying low since his move to Marsh Farm (Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP)
According to Cirium, the number of seats available in May among global airlines had dropped from 132 million to 130 million between 10 April and 21 April.
The aviation analytics firm said that as the war in Iran drags on, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is likely to lead to deeper cuts in June, adding: “The longer the crisis goes on, the more cuts should be expected.”
The figures come amid warnings that airlines in the UK may be forced into rationing fuel due to shortages caused by the stand-off between the US and Iran.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has cut off about 30 per cent of Europe’s aviation fuel shipments and a rush to source scarce alternative supplies from locations including America and West Africa has led to a doubling in prices.
A separate analysis by French bank Société Générale suggests that if only half of lost supply is replaced, fuel supply levels could breach critical levels by June, raising the possibility of airport-specific shortages and flight cancellations.
Bryan Terry, managing director of Alton Aviation Consulting, told The i Paper: “We anticipate additional cuts, particularly from carriers that have yet to make announcements. Every airline will be paring schedules, dropping the most unprofitable routes and reducing frequencies on busy routes where capacity exceeds demand.”
He added that airlines “typically adjust schedules on a four-to-eight-week lag after a supply shock,” so decisions around June and July flights would be made in the coming days.
Millions of Britons fly to Europe during the summer months, with Spain and Portugal among the most popular destinations along with Italy, France and Turkey.
Experts are increasingly warning that a lack of reserves and refining capacity means the UK is set to be one of the countries most affected by jet fuel shortages.
How at risk are UK jet fuel supplies?
The American-led bombing campaign against Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz has produced a scramble to source aviation fuel from elsewhere.
To date, much of this has come from the United States. While jet fuel shipments to Northern Europe from the Middle East fell by between 90 and 100 per cent in March and April, those from North America rose by nearly 800 per cent last month.
But experts warn even such seismic shifts in supply chains cannot adequately replace a pre-war situation where the UK in particular sourced as much as 50 per cent of its jet fuel – a form of kerosene – from the Persian Gulf, now closed by the Iran conflict.
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the strait has cut off about 30 per cent of Europe’s aviation fuel shipments (Photo: Wana News Agency)
The result is that Britain, which is Europe’s largest aviation market by capacity, is said to be particularly vulnerable to shortages because of its hefty reliance on imports, a lack of reserves and a shortage of spare refining capacity to boost domestic production.
In a briefing note, investment bank Goldman Sachs said: “As a result, inventories in some countries, especially the UK, could fall to critically low levels, increasing the likelihood of rationing measures.”
Allianz Trade, part of the Germany-based Allianz finance and insurance group, issued a similar warning, saying Britain was one of a number of countries which routinely use far more aviation kerosene than they can produce.
It said: “Europe’s kerosene market is structurally vulnerable, with most major economies running persistent deficits. The UK, Germany, France and Italy show the largest shortfalls, underscoring their reliance on external supply to meet aviation demand.”
The aviation industry insists there are no immediate problems. Airlines UK, an industry body, said: “Airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.”
However, according to one insurer, there is the “likelihood of an outright supply shortfall” by the end of this month in Europe. Airlines and regulators have insisted this is unlikely, but have not ruled out shortages hitting in June and throughout the peak summer months of air travel.
What would happen to flights in the event of fuel rationing?
The UK Government and airlines have begun to take steps to try to anticipate supply chain disruption.
Ministers have asked the UK’s four major refineries to maximise jet fuel production in the coming months.
Alternative sources of aviation fuel supply, in particular the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, are also receiving bumper orders and deliveries have already started reaching the UK via Milford Haven.
Most European airlines have hedged their jet fuel costs (Photo: Markus Mainka/Getty)
One industry source predicted fuel rationing would lead to ticket cost rises of about 10 to 15 per cent, saying: “If we reach the stage of [fuel] rationing, you enter a world of trade-offs. Less popular routes would be axed in order to allow services to more popular routes to be maintained.
“In turn, those more popular routes would probably have a reduced frequency, which would mean less choice. But at least flights would reliably operate. On top of that you are looking at price increases to reflect the significantly higher costs that will feed through in the coming weeks and months.”
Could summer holidays be affected?
Regulators and operators are working to try to ensure that any adjustments to schedules and prices are signalled well in advance in order avoid a sudden shock to the aviation system.
However, airline bosses have warned they are facing a scramble to save family holidays.
Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, has insisted the carrier has secure fuel supplies until the end of June but claimed that rivals were “desperately” searching for flights to cancel in coming weeks to limit losses.
Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also started to appear to manage expectations over summer travel, suggesting that Britons may need to rethink “where they go on holiday this year” if the war in the Persian Gulf persists.
But even if there is an unexpected diplomatic or military breakthrough that results in a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it will take as much as six months for pre-war production levels of aviation fuel to be restored, suggesting potential disruption far beyond the summer period.
Allianz Trade said that the longer the closure of the shipping lane remains, the longer it will take for oil fields and refineries to restore supply chains, meaning high prices for aviation fuel could be set to persist.
The company said: “We estimate a 70 per cent recovery of lost production three months after Hormuz reopens, reaching close to 90 per cent after six months.”