UK airlines will be permitted to cancel or consolidate flights ahead of time this summer to minimise last-minute disruption for travellers, amid concerns over a jet fuel shortage. The government announced that airlines will be able to “plan realistically” and “lock in schedules earlier” to reduce the likelihood of sudden cancellations.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for jet fuel from the Gulf—during the Iran war has driven up jet fuel prices and sparked fears of shortages. While UK airlines currently face no supply issues, the government stated it will consult with the industry to act swiftly if needed, providing certainty for passengers and the aviation sector.
Temporary Measures for Airlines
The temporary measures would allow airlines to, for instance, consolidate schedules on routes with multiple daily flights to the same destination. Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, these measures would help move passengers onto similar services earlier, prevent operating flights with low ticket sales, and reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes.
Airlines would be allowed to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. These ‘hand backs’ help build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations or flying empty ‘ghost flights’.
Slot Coordination and Contingency Planning
This builds on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose slots if they cannot use them due to jet fuel shortages. The government said the measures go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead based on fuel supply information or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than waiting for a shortage to occur. The government continues to plan for contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply, and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.
Passenger Rights
Passengers have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or receiving a refund if their flight is cancelled by the airline. If a flight is significantly delayed—at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul, and 4 hours for long-haul—passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink, and overnight accommodation where necessary.
Official Statements
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer. This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur. Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled. Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations. We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying, and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: “While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change. We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers, and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.”
