Airlines are expected to announce a series of cancellations to UK summer flights this week, aiming to minimise disruption during the peak holiday season. The move follows a government 'amnesty' on airport slot rules, allowing carriers to adjust schedules without penalty until Friday.
Ministers urged airlines to review their plans after May's travel chaos, attributed to staff shortages. British Airways, the UK's largest airline, said the measures would provide 'certainty' to customers and allow it to consolidate quieter flights to protect holiday services.
The Department for Transport (DfT) amnesty gives airlines a short window to hand back slots they cannot operate. A DfT spokesperson said this would help passengers find alternative arrangements ahead of time, avoiding last-minute cancellations seen over Easter and half-term.
Heathrow Airport encouraged airlines to use the amnesty to reconsider schedules, boosting summer resilience. Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK said the sector would continue working with ministers to ensure a smooth summer peak.
Industry consultant Paul Charles predicted thousands of cancellations this week, reducing last-minute disruption but warning of a 'summer of stress' due to staffing levels 20-30% below normal. Passengers also face potential strikes by British Airways check-in staff at Heathrow and EasyJet cabin crew in Spain.
