UK airlines, including easyJet, British Airways, Virgin, TUI, Ryanair and Jet2, have called on the government to alter passenger compensation rules as concerns grow over jet fuel shortages. The trade body Airlines UK has submitted a briefing document to ministers and the aviation regulator warning that continued disruption to fuel supplies could force carriers to cut flights and raise fares.
The airlines are asking for fuel-related disruptions to be classified as 'extraordinary circumstances', which would exempt them from paying compensation to passengers for cancellations. Currently, passengers can claim compensation if a flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure due to the airline's fault, but not for events outside its control such as war or security issues.
The International Energy Agency has warned that Europe has only about six weeks of jet fuel left, partly due to the blocked Strait of Hormuz. Airlines UK also requested a suspension of the emissions trading scheme, relaxation of night flight limits, and a reduction or holiday on air passenger duty.
A spokesperson for Airlines UK said: 'It is vital that government takes the right actions now to ensure the continuation of supply.' The Department for Transport stated it continues to work with fuel suppliers and airlines on contingency planning. No UK airlines have yet reported cuts to flight schedules.
