It’s hoped the plans would ‘avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate’ potentially caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East
Summer holidays will be ‘better protected’ under the plans(Image: PA)
Summer holidays will be ‘better protected’ under plans to ‘avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate’.
With conflict in the Middle East causing ‘ongoing global uncertainty’, the Government’s contingency preparations hope to give families greater confidence when travelling abroad this summer by allowing airlines to ‘plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier’.
Although UK airlines were not currently facing supply issues, the Government will consult with the industry so they will be able to ‘act quickly before disruption takes hold’.
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Temporary measures would include allowing airlines to consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.
This would avoid flights being cancelled at the last minute and help move passengers onto similar services much earlier.
The Government said this would help avoid stressful delays at the airport, prevent flights running which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets, and reduce fuel wastage from near-empty planes taking off.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures – including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet – on April 30.
Ms 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 protects passengers and businesses.
“We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation it the Middle East.”
The measure being considered would allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the following season.
These ‘hand backs’ 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.
This would build on Airport Coordination Limited’s – the UK’s independent slot coordinator- decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.
It would also allow airlines to plan ahead and act on information available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur.
The Government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased.
Jet fuel supplies in the UK were imported from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.
The Government was also highlighting the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption.
Passengers who see their flight cancelled by the airline have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund.
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 were 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.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, added: “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.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said it was “sensible” for the government to consult on possible action should there be a shortage of jet fuel supplies.
She said: “We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.”
