UK airlines have been given the green light to cancel or consolidate flights this summer to conserve jet fuel, as the war in the Middle East disrupts supplies. The measures aim to avoid major disruption during the peak holiday season, with carriers examining which flights can be cancelled with the least impact on passengers.
New legislation announced on Sunday will allow airlines to return a limited proportion of their takeoff and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. This flexibility is intended to prevent last-minute cancellations and reduce the need for airlines to run half-empty planes to retain slots.
Under the plans, flights must be cancelled at least two weeks in advance, giving passengers time to be rebooked on similar services. Ministers say flights with low ticket sales may also be cancelled to avoid wasting fuel. The UK Civil Aviation Authority's chief executive, Rob Bishton, stated: “Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”
The plans were developed at a meeting last Thursday between Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet. The strait of Hormuz, a key oil and gas artery, has been effectively closed since early March, causing energy concerns across Europe. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel, much of it from the Middle East.
Alexander said: “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.”
