UK airlines have been granted permission to cancel or consolidate flights this summer in a bid to conserve jet fuel, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts global supplies. The measures aim to prevent last-minute travel chaos for holidaymakers.
The Department for Transport announced on Sunday that new legislation will allow carriers to return a limited number of takeoff and landing slots without penalty, enabling them to adjust schedules well in advance. Normally, airlines risk losing slots permanently if they are not used, which has previously led to half-empty flights being operated just to retain rights.
Under the plans, airlines can cancel flights at least two weeks ahead if there is a shortage of jet fuel, moving passengers onto alternative services. Similarly, flights that have not sold a significant number of tickets may also be scrapped to avoid wasting fuel. The Civil Aviation Authority's chief executive, Rob Bishton, said the slot relaxation would give airlines greater flexibility and urged them to notify passengers as early as possible.
The decision follows a meeting between Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet. Alexander stressed there were no immediate supply issues but said the government was acting to provide certainty for families and avoid disruption at departure gates this summer.
The UK imports around 65% of its jet fuel, much of it from the Middle East. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz since early March has raised fears of shortages, with some estimates suggesting only weeks of jet fuel supply remain in Europe.
