UK airlines will be allowed to cancel or consolidate flights this summer to conserve jet fuel, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt supplies. The measures aim to prevent major travel disruption for holidaymakers.
The government announced on Sunday that new legislation would enable airlines to adjust schedules, such as merging multiple flights to the same destination on the same day. This is intended to avoid last-minute cancellations and give passengers advance notice.
Airlines will be permitted to return a limited number of takeoff and landing slots without losing the right to use them next season. Normally, cancelling flights risks losing slots, leading airlines to operate half-empty planes to retain them. Under the new rules, flights must be cancelled at least two weeks in advance.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated: '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.' The plans were discussed at a meeting last Thursday with Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since early March has caused an energy crisis, with European jet fuel supplies estimated at just a few weeks. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel, much from the Middle East.
