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New government proposals will allow airlines to cancel flights several weeks ahead of schedule without the risk of losing their precious takeoff and landing slots at congested airports amid potential fuel shortages this summer. This measure aims to provide airlines with the flexibility to adjust operations in response to anticipated supply issues, reducing the likelihood of last-minute disruptions for travelers. The government has also urged the UK’s four refineries to ramp up jet fuel production and is exploring options to boost jet fuel imports from the United States.
Currently, airlines are not reporting problems with fuel availability, but experts warn that interruptions in delivery caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran could lead to shortages within weeks. The UK depends on imports for approximately 65% of its jet fuel, a significant portion of which usually comes from the Middle East. However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has blocked many of these supplies. To manage this, the government intends to give carriers the ability to preemptively reduce flights on routes where they operate multiple daily services, helping conserve fuel.
Airlines have historically been hesitant to cancel flights in advance because of slot retention rules, which require airlines to use at least 80% of their allocated takeoff and landing slots each season or risk losing them to competitors. These slots, especially at busy airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, are incredibly valuable, often worth millions of pounds, and rarely change hands. As a result, airlines sometimes operate flights with low passenger loads just to maintain their slots. The current slot regulations come under the Airports Slot Allocation Regulations 2025, which are based on EU rules now adopted into UK law and administered by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL).
The government’s new approach builds on recent guidance ensuring airlines won’t lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from operating flights. Now, airlines will be able to temporarily surrender unused slots but retain the right to use them the following year, enabling cancellations to be planned at least two weeks in advance. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the goal of providing families with greater certainty and reducing disruption during the summer travel period, stating, “This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.” Airlines UK has welcomed the initiative as a means to “avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating as efficiently as possible while protecting connectivity for passengers and trade.” The measure requires new legislation and is currently under a short government consultation.
Alongside operational changes, the government is exploring ways to increase jet fuel supply flexibility. One potential solution is permitting the use of the US jet fuel specification known as Jet A, which differs from the UK and European requirement of Jet A1 that has a lower freezing point. Although introducing Jet A could help mitigate supply risks, logistical challenges and high demand may limit its practicality. Passengers affected by cancellations or delays currently have certain protections under existing regulations, including rerouting, refunds, and care such as food and accommodation. Airlines have lobbied for fuel shortages to be labeled as “extraordinary circumstances,” which could exempt them from compensation payments. While this request has not been accepted in the UK, the European Commission has indicated that compensation might be waived if airlines prove the disruption was directly due to fuel shortages and that all reasonable steps were taken
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