Slot rules to be relaxed to cut summer flight cancellations, Government says
The UK Government is consulting on relaxing airport slot rules this summer to give airlines more flexibility to consolidate flights and avoid last-minute cancellations, in response to global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.
Under the plan, airlines would be able to hand back a limited proportion of their take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the next season.
The Department for Transport said the change would help airlines lock in schedules earlier and move passengers onto similar services in advance, rather than running near-empty flights or cancelling at short notice.
Flintshire passengers flying from Manchester or Liverpool this summer could see flights to the same destination on the same day merged if airlines take up the new flexibility.
The Government said there were no immediate supply issues and UK airlines were not currently experiencing problems with jet fuel.
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.”
She added: “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 Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable on 30 April with representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet.
The proposed measure builds on a recent decision by Airport Coordination Limited, the UK’s independent slot coordinator, to update its guidance so airlines do not permanently lose their slots if they cannot use them because of jet fuel shortages.
The Government said its proposal goes further by allowing airlines to act on the best available information rather than waiting for a shortage to occur.
Passengers whose flights are cancelled by an airline have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund, the Department for Transport said.
If a flight is subject to a significant delay, passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.
The thresholds are at least two hours for short-haul, three hours for medium-haul and four hours for long-haul flights.
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.”
He said airlines had a duty to look after passengers when they faced disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight was cancelled.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.”
He said the industry welcomed the Government’s contingency planning, describing slot alleviation as a measure that would let airlines adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying, and continue operating efficiently.
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.”
She said AirportsUK would work with members, ministers and officials to examine 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.
“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.”
The Government said domestic jet fuel production had increased and the UK imported jet fuel from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait of Hormuz, including the United States.
Passengers notified of changes to their flights have been advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
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