Government plans to cut likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer amid jet fuel crisis

The government has announced plans that will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption amid the jet fuel crisis.

Intense global pressure on jet fuel is expected to cause travel problems this summer and the government has announced measures that are set to help protect summer holidays.

The government has announced that airlines will be allowed to group passengers from different flights onto fewer planes.

It's a temporary rule change, the Department for Transport says, that lets airline carriers consolidate flights on routes where there are multiple trips to the same destination on the same day.

So passengers could be moved from their original flights to a similar one to save fuel used by under-booked journeys.

Under the new rules, airlines would be allowed to hand back some of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the future.

This would "help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty 'ghost flights' or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers' plans at risk", the government said.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. 

“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.

“We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”

The newly announced measures are subject to a "lightning consultation" before they can take effect.

The government said it is raising awareness of passenger rights in the event of disruption, including being entitled to choose between either a refund or being rerouted if an airline cancels a flight.

The government reminds passengers that if a flight is subject to a significant delay - at least two hours for short-haul, three hours for medium-haul and four hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.

“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”