Airlines will be able to cancel flights weeks ahead of time without losing their takeoff and landing slots at busy airports if they face fuel shortages this summer, according to a May 3 announcement from the government.
The new contingency plans are designed to help carriers plan ahead and reduce last-minute disruptions for passengers. This is significant as it aims to minimize inconvenience for travelers during a period when experts warn that fuel supply could become uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Under the proposals, airlines could merge flights on routes with multiple daily trips, allowing passengers to be moved from their original booking onto similar services. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was confident most people traveling this summer would have experiences similar to last year. “On the basis of the information that I’ve got today, I am confident that the majority of people that are travelling this summer will have a similar experience to last year,” Alexander said on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. “There may be a need for airlines to trim their schedules slightly.” She added, “The last thing I want is any passenger turning up at the departure gate to receive a text message saying that their flight is cancelled.”
Travel journalist Simon Calder told the BBC that these measures aim “to prioritise holiday flights over business departures.” He used Lufthansa as an example: if there are ten daily flights between London Heathrow and Frankfurt, some could be canceled and passengers shifted onto remaining services. The idea is intended to save fuel for less frequent routes.
Currently, airlines must use airport slots at least 80% of the time or risk losing them—a rule meant to prevent carriers from holding unused slots but which can encourage flying near-empty planes just to retain rights. The new plan allows temporary hand-back of unused slots without penalty if cancellations occur at least two weeks in advance.
Alexander confirmed there is currently no disruption in jet fuel supply but described it as an evolving situation. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel—much from the Middle East—and has started sourcing more from other regions such as the US and West Africa while encouraging domestic refineries to maximize output.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, welcomed the move saying it would allow airlines “to avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating as efficiently as possible while protecting connectivity for passengers and trade.” Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden said these plans showed Britain was “exposed to fuel supply risks that a properly energy-secure country would not face.”
Passengers whose flights are severely delayed or canceled remain entitled under existing rules either for rerouting or refunds along with care such as food or accommodation where necessary; financial compensation applies in cases of severe disruption unless classified otherwise by authorities.
Looking forward, legislation is required before these changes take effect; consultations are underway regarding further flexibility in jet fuel standards.
