The UK government has set out plans today (May 3) to help reduce the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations during the summer holidays. The measures are aimed at better protecting passengers flying from UK airports, including Manchester, in the event of a significant flight disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict.
The Government’s contingency preparations would enable airlines to plan realistically and lock in take-off and landing slots earlier, making people less likely to be affected by short-notice changes at the airport.
Plans were discussed at a roundtable with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and key industry figures on Thursday 30th April, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet. Following the aviation industry’s call for greater clarity on the Government’s contingency planning and several flight cancellations, the Department for Transport will launch a consultation on Tuesday 5th May, seeking industry views on a slots handback provision for summer 2026 and winter 2026 season.
“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to”
Transport Secretary Heidi 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 protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”
What are the proposed UK government measures to prevent flight cancellations?
The UK government is considering temporary measures that allow airlines to proactively hand back a portion of their take-off and landing slots without losing the rights to them in future seasons. ‘Hand backs’ 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.
The temporary measures would allow the following:
- Airlines can consolidate schedules in advance based on predicted jet fuel shortages or impacts from the Middle East conflict, rather than waiting for an emergency.
- Help avoid last-minute cancellations and stressful airport delays by moving passengers onto alternative flights much earlier.
- Prevent airlines from running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets just to retain their slots, thereby saving fuel.
The slot alleviation would apply to flights run by airlines which operate out of the UK coordinated airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Luton, London City, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds-Bradford (summer only).
Flight passenger rights
If your flight is cancelled by the airline, passengers have a legal right to a choice between being rerouted 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 are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.
If notified of changes to your flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance. Further information on passenger rights is available in the Air Passenger Travel Guide on GOV.UK.
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.”“UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, 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.”
To further mitigate risks alongside measures to prevent flight cancellations, the UK government says it has increased domestic jet fuel production. The Government is also importing supplies from countries that do not rely on the Strait (such as the United States).