UK airlines will be able to cancel or consolidate flights this summer to conserve jet fuel as the war in the Middle East continues to disrupt supplies. The measures aim to avoid major disruption as Britons jet off on their summer holidays.
New legislation will allow airlines to give back a limited proportion of their allocated takeoff and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. Usually, cancelling these slots risks losing them, forcing airlines to run half-empty planes. Under the plans, flights must be cancelled at least two weeks in advance.
Transport secretary Heidi 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.”
The plans were hatched at a meeting last Thursday between Alexander and representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel, much of which comes from the Middle East, and the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since March.
