The Wales Air Ambulance Charity has appealed for public support after rising aviation fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East pushed up its operating expenses by tens of thousands of pounds.

The charity, which provides emergency helicopter cover across Wales, says it is facing an additional fuel bill of around £50,000 even if the conflict were to end in the coming days, due to sustained global price increases.

The service flies critically ill and seriously injured patients to specialist hospitals across Wales and England, often covering long distances to reach remote or rural locations quickly.

Crews are responding to some of the most serious medical emergencies in the country, providing hospital-level care at the scene before transporting patients for further treatment.

Wales Air Ambulance pilot, Captain James Gardiner, said: “Every time we take off, we know someone on the ground is relying on us during one of the worst moments of their life. Fuel isn’t just a cost for us – it’s what allows us to take our A&E-standard care to patients, wherever they are in Wales, and then take them to the most appropriate specialist care centre for their needs.

“When fuel prices rise this sharply, it has a real impact. The support we receive from the public genuinely helps keep us flying, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this service possible.”

The increase in fuel costs comes at a time when demand for air ambulance missions typically rises. Longer daylight hours and more settled weather during spring and summer mean helicopters are able to fly more frequently.

The charity, which must raise around £13 million each year, relies on public donations to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

Chief Executive of the charity, Dr Sue Barnes, said: “The war in the Middle East has created an unexpected and, we hope, temporary challenge. Rising fuel costs are a serious issue for air ambulance charities across the UK and reflect global factors beyond our control.

“Global fuel markets do not respond instantly to geopolitical change, and we anticipate that any reduction in costs following the end of the war would be gradual and spread over a prolonged period. This means the financial impact on the Charity would continue well beyond the immediate end of the conflict.

“When someone’s life is at risk, our crews must be ready to fly, no matter the distance or the time of day.

“While we carefully manage these increases, we are also asking supporters, if they are able, to help us mitigate this exceptional rise in fuel costs.

“We know that many people across Wales are facing rising costs in their own lives, and we don’t take lightly the decision to ask for help.”

To find out more and to donate, visit: www.walesairambulance.com/fuel-cost-appeal