Government unveils contingency plans for jet fuel shortages in UK

The government has unveiled plans for contingency measures in the event that UK airlines have to grapple with jet fuel shortages, in an attempt to give travellers greater confidence this summer and minimise last-minute flight cancellations.

 

The proposals, which will feature in an industry-wide consultation from today (May 5), include allowing airlines to consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day. 

 

The government said this measure would mean airlines would not have to cancel flights at the last minute. Carriers would instead move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping to “avoid stressful delays at the airport” while preventing the operation of flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets and reducing wasted fuel from flying near-empty aircraft.

 

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.”

 

The government, which said UK airlines have reported “no immediate [jet fuel] supply issues” since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, outlined plans to 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.

 

The temporary measure would help airlines to operate realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations and the running of empty “ghost flights”, the government added.

 

The plans follow the UK’s independent slot coordinator’s recent decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines will not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them because of jet fuel shortages. 

 

The government said its proposals go further by allowing airlines to act on the best information they have on fuel supply rather than forcing them to wait for a shortage to occur.

 

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.”

 

The government said it had already discussed the plans at a roundtable event on Thursday (April 30), with participants including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet.

 

Abta said the upcoming consultation must consider the views of travel agents and tour operators.

 

Luke Petherbridge, the association’s director of public affairs, said: “Abta welcomes this move from the UK government to provide additional reassurance and confidence to people that they can go ahead and book their summer break.

 

“Strong consumer protections exist which already provide peace of mind to UK holidaymakers; and Abta and our members work hard to uphold those rights.

 

“It is right for policymakers to take steps that enable the aviation sector to plan and to provide additional certainty, but the government’s consultation must consider all parts of the travel sector – including travel agents and tour operators.

 

“The Middle East conflict affects all of the industry and a holistic approach is required.

 

“At times like these, it’s important the industry has an open dialogue with government about what is happening right now, potential challenges in the future should the situation change, and measures of support that may be needed.

 

“We’re doing just that, meeting government and airline colleagues on a regular basis to provide the perspective from the whole industry – making sure they understand how any impacts would be felt by our members. We’ll use this consultation as another opportunity to do that.

 

“Alongside that engagement, our main focus at this time is to reassure people that travel is still going ahead.”

 

Civil Aviation Authority chief executive Rob Bishton said: “Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility, so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”

 

Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “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: “While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.

 

“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.”

Consumer association Which? called for “cast-iron assurances” that passengers’ rights would not be weakened by the proposals.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “Millions of Britons will have already booked their flights for this summer, often paying over the odds for flights at peak times. 

“Existing rules already allow airlines to move customers to new flights so long as they give them more than 14 days’ notice and offer the choice between a new flight or a refund. It’s only for cancellations within 14 days that compensation is payable, rightly.  

“It’s not fair for the rules to now be bent in favour of airlines and potentially leave passengers holding the bill. Many passengers will understand that disruptions can occur and may be happy to travel a few hours or a day later, but for those on short trips or connecting flights it could mean the trip is no longer worthwhile.”

He added: “Before any changes are made, passengers need cast-iron assurances that their rights will not be weakened and that airlines cannot use reform as cover to shift the cost of disruption onto travellers.”

 

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: "Wizz Air acknowledges today’s announcement by the UK government and would like to reassure customers that its operations remain fully stable and unaffected.

 

“The airline confirms that it plans continue to operate its full summer schedule, flying passengers safely and reliably to their destinations across its extensive network. Wizz Air is working closely with its partners to ensure seamless operations throughout the peak travel season.

 

“Customers can book with confidence on Wizz Air’s wide selection of routes from more than half a dozen airports across the UK, connecting travellers to popular destinations across Europe and beyond."

 

Responding to the government announcement, Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said : “As far as the airlines are concerned it’s a win. I’m not sure it’s a win for consumers. Let’s see what it leads to in terms of flight cancellations in the weeks ahead.”