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Government introduces new flight cancellation rules
UK airlines will soon be permitted to cancel flights up to two weeks in advance without losing valuable take-off and landing slots at congested airports, under new government plans aimed at preventing last-minute disruptions due to potential fuel shortages this summer.
Why the change?
The move is designed to help carriers adjust their schedules proactively, reducing the risk of sudden cancellations that leave passengers stranded. Airlines typically avoid cutting flights because they risk losing their allocated slots-some worth tens of millions of pounds-if they fail to use them at least 80% of the time.
Under current rules, incorporated from EU law into UK regulations in 2025, airlines often operate near-empty planes to retain these slots. The new measures will allow them to temporarily surrender slots while guaranteeing their return the following year.
How the system will work
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government's contingency plans would enable airlines to merge flights on busy routes, rebooking passengers onto alternative services to conserve fuel. For example, an airline running 10 daily flights between London Heathrow and Frankfurt could cancel two or three during peak summer periods, when business travel is lower, and consolidate passengers onto later departures.
Travel journalist Simon Calder told the BBC the goal was to "prioritise holiday flights over business departures," ensuring leisure travellers-such as those flying from Manchester to Greek islands like Skiathos-face fewer disruptions.
Fuel supply concerns
Airlines currently report no immediate fuel shortages, but experts warn that disruptions to Middle Eastern supplies-particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz-could lead to shortages within weeks. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel, much of it from the Middle East under normal conditions.
The International Energy Agency has cautioned that Europe could face widespread shortages by June unless alternative supplies are secured. Alexander acknowledged the situation was "evolving" but said the UK was increasing imports from the US and West Africa, while also urging domestic refineries to maximise production.
"On the basis of the information that I've got today, I am confident that the majority of people travelling this summer will have a similar experience to last year."
Heidi Alexander, UK Transport Secretary
Industry and passenger impacts
Airlines UK, the industry's trade body, welcomed the changes. Chief Executive Tim Alderslade said they would allow carriers to "avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating as efficiently as possible while protecting connectivity for passengers and trade."
The plans require a short consultation and legislative approval via a statutory instrument. The government is also exploring ways to increase fuel flexibility, including potentially allowing a US specification of jet fuel (Jet A) to be used in the UK, though infrastructure and demand challenges remain.
Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden criticised the government, arguing the plans highlighted Britain's "exposure to fuel supply risks that a properly energy-secure country would not face."
Passenger rights and compensation
Under existing rules, passengers are entitled to rerouting, refunds, and care (such as meals and accommodation) if flights are severely delayed or cancelled. They may also qualify for financial compensation unless the disruption is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance."
Airlines have lobbied for fuel shortages to be recognised as such, which would exempt them from payouts. While the UK has not yet agreed, the European Commission has suggested airlines may avoid compensation if they can prove the disruption was directly caused by fuel shortages and that all reasonable measures were taken.
Calder emphasised that airlines remain responsible for getting passengers to their destinations on the same day where possible. "It's down to the airline to sort you out," he told BBC Breakfast.
