Air ambulances in South hit by rising fuel costs

May 7, 2026

Air ambulance charities operating in southern England are experiencing significant financial strain due to sharp increases in aviation fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Organizations like Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance have seen fuel costs jump approximately 50%, adding substantial monthly expenses to their budgets, while also expressing concerns about potential fuel supply disruptions. Unlike police and fire services, these charitable air ambulances lack priority status for fuel allocation, which charity leaders argue should change to ensure continuity of their life-saving operations.

Who is affected

Air ambulance charities across southern England (specifically Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance)
Patients requiring emergency air ambulance services in these regions
The volunteers and staff working for these charities
Communities in Hampshire, Thames Valley, Isle of Wight, Dorset, and Somerset who depend on these services
Air Ambulances UK (the umbrella organization representing 21 air ambulance charities nationwide)

What action is being taken

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is absorbing the increased costs using reserves
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is preparing to move to a new base at Southampton Airport
Thames Valley Air Ambulance has secured a fixed annual fuel price for its helicopter
Air Ambulances UK is in discussions with the government about fuel resilience and prioritization
The government is working with suppliers to ensure fuel availability during the ongoing conflict

Why it matters

Air ambulance services provide critical, time-sensitive emergency medical care that can mean the difference between life and death, as demonstrated by Peter Burch's case where a six-minute helicopter flight enabled his survival from a catastrophic motorcycle accident that would have taken an hour by road. These charities operate without government funding and rely entirely on charitable donations and reserves, making them vulnerable to sustained cost increases that could force service reductions or cuts. The rising fuel costs and potential supply disruptions threaten the operational capacity of services that respond to emergencies multiple times daily, potentially affecting thousands of people across southern England who may require urgent medical transport.

What's next

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will complete its move to the new base at Southampton Airport (which should reduce flying and driving times and help lower costs)
Air Ambulances UK will continue discussions with the government about fuel resilience and prioritization
The government will continue working with suppliers during the ongoing conflict

Read full article from source: BBC