Government's Summer Holiday Protection Plans to 'Prevent Last-Minute Flight Cancellations'
Summer holidays will be 'better protected' under new government plans aimed at avoiding unnecessary disruption at the departure gate. With ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing global uncertainty, the UK Government has introduced contingency preparations to give families greater confidence when traveling abroad this summer. The measures will allow airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier, preventing last-minute cancellations.
Although UK airlines are not currently facing supply issues, the Government will consult with the industry to ensure they can act quickly before disruption takes hold. Temporary measures include allowing airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day. This approach avoids flights being cancelled at the last minute and helps move passengers onto similar services much earlier.
The Government stated that these steps will help avoid stressful delays at the airport, prevent flights running with low ticket sales, and reduce fuel wastage from near-empty planes. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet, on April 30.
Ms 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."
The measure being considered would allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the following season. These 'hand backs' would help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty 'ghost flights' or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk. This builds on Airport Coordination Limited's decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.
The Government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply, and domestic jet fuel production has increased. Jet fuel supplies in the UK are imported from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States. The Government is also highlighting the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption.
Passengers who see their flight cancelled by the airline have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund. If a flight is subject to a significant delay, passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink, and overnight accommodation where necessary. 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 we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period."
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, added: "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 that 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 it was "sensible" for the government to consult on possible action should there be a shortage of jet fuel supplies. She added: "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."
