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Sat, 02 May 2026

Sat, 02 May 2026 Airlines can cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages, under new plans

Ministers hope move would help avoid last-minute flight cancellations for passengers this summer over Middle East fuel supplies.

* Airlines will be allowed to cancel flights weeks in advance without losing valuable take-off and landing slots at busy airports if they face fuel shortages this summer.
* New contingency plans have been drawn up by the government to help airlines plan ahead and avoid last-minute cancellations for passengers.
* The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel from abroad, with a significant portion coming from the Middle East. However, supplies are being disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
* Airlines can currently save slots by adjusting their schedules in advance, but this has not been widely used due to concerns about losing valuable take-off and landing rights.
* The new plan allows airlines to hand back unused slots temporarily while still retaining them for future use.
* This will enable carriers to axe flights at least two weeks in advance, anticipating potential problems rather than reacting to them.
* Airlines have welcomed the move, saying it will help protect passengers and businesses from disruption.
* The government is also exploring ways to increase jet fuel supply, including possibly allowing US specification of fuel (Jet A) to be used in the UK.