The UK Government has introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to consolidate passengers onto fewer flights to combat a potential aviation fuel shortage linked to the ongoing conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Here is what it means for your summer holiday and your passenger rights.
What has changed?
Over the weekend, the Government brought in a temporary rule change permitting airlines to consolidate passengers from multiple flights onto fewer aircraft in a bid to conserve fuel, as supplies of jet fuel run low following the bombing of Iran by Israel and the US. Travellers could find themselves shifted from their originally booked service to a comparable alternative, in an effort to cut down on fuel wastage from operating planes that have not sold out and may otherwise have been scrapped.
Consumer champion Which? has slammed the proposal, insisting that regulations should not be "bent in favour of airlines". On Sunday, the Government issued a reminder to air passengers about their entitlements, including protections during lengthy delays or cancellations, in an attempt to shield summer getaways from chaos.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight is one of the cancelled ones, your airline should get in contact with you to inform you of the next steps. Those hit by flight cancellations can expect either a refund or rebooking onto an alternative service, while passengers enduring significant delays are entitled to care and assistance, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed.
In a briefing document, the department explained that if your flight is cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to a choice between:
- A refund, paid within seven days, and a return flight to the first point of departure at the earliest opportunity (where applicable)
- To be re-routed under comparable conditions
Passengers whose flights are cancelled, as well as those facing delays of at least two hours on short-haul flights, three hours on medium-haul routes and four hours on long-haul journeys, are entitled to care and assistance. This includes:
- Reasonable amount of food and drink, usually vouchers
- Means to communicate, such as refunding the cost of phone calls
- Accommodation if your replacement flight is the next day
- Transport to and from the accommodation or your home if you are able to return
If your flight was cancelled within 14 days of your scheduled departure time, you may also be entitled to compensation. This depends on the amount of notice you were given of the cancellation, and the options available for an alternative flight. However, it seems unlikely that such claims will be successful in these circumstances. As the DfT explains: "Compensation is not due if the cancellation is due to circumstances outside of the airline’s control, such as bad weather, natural disasters, delays due to air traffic control decisions, birds striking an aircraft or political instability."
Which UK airlines are cancelling flights?
As of May 4, no major UK airlines have announced plans to cancel flights. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents UK-registered carriers, said: "UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations. We welcome the Government's contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers."
A Wizz Air spokesperson added: "Wizz Air acknowledges today's announcement by the UK Government and would like to reassure customers that its operations remain fully stable and unaffected. The airline confirms that it plans to continue to operate its full summer schedule, flying passengers safely and reliably to their destinations across its extensive network. Wizz Air is working closely with its partners to ensure seamless operations throughout the peak travel season."
