Soaring fuel costs have already forced companies to tighten schedules
19:21, 01 May 2026Updated 19:25, 01 May 2026
Planes on the tarmac at Cork Airport(Image: Karl Kachmarsky)
Here in Ireland, the summer holiday season is right around the corner, and many will have trips to sun-soaked destinations booked months in advance. However, the turbulent fuel markets have cast doubt on summer getaway plans, as airlines may be forced to cancel flights during what is normally the busiest period of the year.
A number of airlines have already trimmed down their summer schedules due to fuel supply concerns and wider operational issues facing the industry.
This anxiety over bookings has led some companies to introduce additional customer protections to ensure customers receive a swift refund if their flight is cancelled. One package holiday provider, On the Beach, has committed to processing same-day refunds should a flight be cancelled.
The initiative promises consumers a full refund of their holiday costs if an alternative flight cannot be sourced due to anticipated summer disruptions.
Currently, many travel providers do offer refunds when flights are cancelled, but these can take up to two weeks to process, often leaving holidaymakers out of pocket and without a replacement trip.
Under On the Beach’s ‘Cancelled Flight Cover’, which is included as standard, customers whose flights are cancelled will have the option of a full refund for their entire holiday or help securing an alternative flight, with both handled as quickly as possible.
Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said the initiative is designed to give travellers peace of mind amid uncertainty.
She said: “Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes. We’re proud to be the first package holiday provider to commit to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights, giving customers the confidence to book knowing we’ve got their back when it matters most.
“If the worst happens and a flight is cancelled, we’ll move quickly to either find a new route or return every penny of their holiday money that same day, so they can get a new break booked, make alternative plans fast, and get back to looking forward to their summer instead of worrying about it.”
The initiative is also intended to remind travellers of their rights. Under Irish and EU regulations, passengers are entitled to choose between a full refund and an alternative flight if their service is cancelled.
Several airlines have already begun cancelling flights or reshaping schedules ahead of the summer season, as carriers respond to rising fuel costs, airport capacity constraints and wider operational pressures.