The UK government has instructed airlines to prepare contingency plans for potential disruptions to summer flight schedules due to concerns over jet fuel supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Government Measures to Safeguard Fuel Supplies
Ministers have asked airlines to draw up plans for prolonged disruption, according to the Telegraph. The government will temporarily relax regulations on airport take-off and landing slots to reduce last-minute cancellations and so-called ghost flights.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the changes would give airlines greater flexibility to adjust schedules well in advance, rather than making last-minute decisions at the gate. She said: This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.
Alexander added: We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.
Global Jet Fuel Shipments at Record Low
Concerns have grown as figures from analysts at Kpler revealed that global shipments of jet fuel and kerosene dropped below 2.3 million tonnes last week, the lowest level ever recorded. Supplies have come under pressure following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route accounting for approximately 41% of Europe's jet fuel.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden suggested holidaymakers could face disruption. He said: Families who have booked their summer holiday could find their flight cancelled and themselves herded onto a different plane, at a time of the airline's choosing. The honest message is that Britain is exposed to fuel supply risks that a properly energy-secure country would not face.
Industry Reassurance
However, industry figures have sought to reassure travellers. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, confirmed that airlines are currently operating as normal and have not yet experienced any fuel supply issues. He said: 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 enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying, and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.
