Airlines in the UK are being asked to consolidate flight schedules on specific routes that have multiple daily flights as part of contingency measures announced by the government. This decision, made by the Department for Transport (DfT), comes in response to ongoing jet fuel supply challenges stemming from the US-Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
While UK airlines report no current supply issues, the government is taking proactive measures to protect travelers from potential last-minute flight cancellations during the upcoming summer holiday season, should significant disruptions arise due to the conflict. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated, “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.”
The government’s plans aim to give airlines the flexibility to adjust their schedules in advance, thus reducing the risk of short-notice changes for passengers at airports. The temporary measures are designed to help airlines make informed decisions about operating flights, such as moving passengers to similar services instead of cancelling flights at the last minute or operating flights with low occupancy, a practice known as flying “ghost flights.” The DfT has indicated that it will engage with the aviation industry to implement these plans swiftly to avoid travel disruptions.
One key aspect of the contingency measures is allowing airlines the option to return a limited number of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing their operational rights for the next season. These “hand backs” would enable airlines to craft more realistic flight schedules, thus minimizing the chances of last-minute cancellations that could jeopardize passengers’ travel plans.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized that “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.” He added that relaxing the slot rules at airports would provide airlines with greater adaptability and that customers should receive timely notifications regarding cancellations.
Passengers whose flights are cancelled have legal rights to choose between re-routing or obtaining a refund. In cases of significant delays—two hours for short-haul, three hours for medium-haul, and four hours for long-haul routes—passengers are entitled to care and assistance, which includes food, drinks, and overnight accommodation if necessary.
To bolster consumer awareness around these rights, the British government is intensifying efforts to ensure flexibility in jet fuel supply and domestic production. The UK sources jet fuel from various countries that are not dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, including the United States. The government has urged the nation’s four refineries to maximize their jet fuel output while exploring ways to increase supply from the US.
Transport Secretary Alexander discussed these contingency measures during a roundtable with key industry representatives, including officials from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as well as major airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet. Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, noted, “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which helps airlines adjust schedules responsibly and ensure continued connectivity for passengers.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, remarked that while there are currently no reports of jet fuel shortages, it is prudent for the government to consider possible actions should that situation change. “We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers, and officials to examine the proposals and respond in a way that leads to the best outcomes for passengers,” she added.
Published on May 3, 2026.
