Holidaymakers are facing the prospect of flight cancellations after the Government introduced a temporary rule change permitting airlines to consolidate passengers from separate flights onto fewer aircraft as part of measures designed to conserve fuel.
Travellers could find themselves transferred from their originally booked service to a comparable one, in order to cut down on fuel wastage from operating under-capacity planes that might otherwise have been cancelled.
The move follows warnings of a jet fuel shortage ahead of the peak holiday season should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed.
Consumer Concerns
Consumer group Which? criticised the plan, arguing that rules should not be "bent in favour of airlines". On Sunday the Government reminded air passengers of their rights, including when facing long delays or cancellations, in a bid to protect summer holidays from disruption.
Passengers affected by flight cancellations are entitled to either a full refund or to be rerouted onto an alternative service, while those enduring lengthy delays have the right to care and assistance, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed.
Passenger Rights
Passengers facing cancellations, or delays of at least two hours on short-haul flights, three hours on medium-haul and four hours on long-haul routes, are entitled to care and assistance. The DfT stated this can include providing vouchers for a reasonable amount of food and drink, refunds for the cost of calls, accommodation, and transport to and from the accommodation when a flight is cancelled.
Industry Reaction
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents UK-registered carriers, told the Press Association: "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."
Analyst Perspective
When questioned about the temporary rule change, airline industry analyst John Strickland told Sky News on Sunday: "It's a very good idea, it's something the airlines have been discussing for a few weeks with the Government. While they would wish to fly their full flying programme this summer, because of course there's so many of us travelling, it's a time of year when they would aim to actually make money from that, they have to take every bit of contingency planning they can in the light of the complexity of fuel supplies coming out of this ongoing war with Iran."
"So much fuel coming from the Middle East is trapped." He added: "And rather than wait to a point where there could be a crisis in terms of supply, they (airlines) want to put in place measures now which allow them flexibility to plan ahead, so that basically, they can cancel the weakest flights if they need to."
When asked whether the temporary measure could jeopardise customers' arrangements, particularly in the event of delays and cancellations, he responded: "I think this is, again, why the flexibility is important, because airlines have to weigh that up, because they also don't want to have passengers missing connections."
Airline Statements
A Wizz Air spokesperson told PA: "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."
