The government has unveiled plans aimed at protecting summer holidays from disruption, as ministers look to avoid a repeat of last-minute flight cancellations amid global uncertainty.
Although there are currently no immediate issues with jet fuel supply, officials say they are acting now to give families and the aviation industry greater certainty in the months ahead. A fast-tracked consultation has been launched to explore temporary changes to flight scheduling rules, allowing airlines more flexibility to plan ahead.
Under the proposals, airlines could adjust their schedules earlier—such as consolidating multiple flights to the same destination—rather than cancelling services at short notice. The goal is to reduce stress for passengers, cut down on near-empty flights, and minimise wasted fuel.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government has been closely monitoring the situation following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and is working with airports, airlines and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any potential problems.
“We’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer,” she said. “These measures will help airlines make timely decisions, protecting both passengers and businesses.”
The plans were discussed at a roundtable on 30 April with major industry players, including Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet. The meeting reinforced what the government described as its commitment to keeping flights running smoothly during the busy holiday season.
A key element of the proposal would allow airlines to return a limited number of their take-off and landing slots without losing them for future seasons. This would help carriers avoid operating so-called “ghost flights” with very few passengers or cancelling services at the last minute.
The move builds on recent guidance from Airport Coordination Limited, which has already eased rules to ensure airlines do not permanently lose slots if they are unable to use them due to fuel shortages.
Ministers say the UK is also strengthening its resilience by sourcing jet fuel from a wider range of suppliers, including the United States, reducing reliance on routes affected by Middle East tensions.
Alongside the proposed changes, the government is reminding travellers of their rights. If a flight is cancelled, passengers are entitled to either a refund or re-routing. In cases of significant delays—starting from two hours depending on the flight length—airlines must provide assistance such as food, drinks and accommodation if required.
With the summer travel season approaching, officials say the aim is clear: fewer surprises at the airport and more confidence for holidaymakers planning their trips. Photo by Fingalo Christian Bickel, Wikimedia commons.
