Brits warned over last minute changes to their summer holidays | Politics | News

Families could have their summer flights cancelled and be “herded” onto other planes if a shortage of jet fuel triggers chaos at airports, Conservatives have warned. The Government is considering bold measures to conserve fuel and avoid last-minute cancellations but opposition parties warn the crisis in the Middle East has exposed Britain’s weakness when it comes to energy security.

Temporary measures could allow airlines to “consolidate schedules” on routes where there are “multiple flights to the same destination on the same day”. Under the proposals, passengers could be moved onto alternative flights much earlier instead of suffering a shock cancellation. This would “prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets” and would avoiding wasting “fuel from flying near-empty planes”.

But Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said: “Families who have booked their summer holiday could find their flight cancelled and themselves herded onto a different plane, at a time of the airline’s choosing. The honest message is that Britain is exposed to fuel supply risks that a properly energy-secure country would not face.”

He accused Labour of leaving “Britain more reliant on imports than at any point in living memory”.

Reform UK’s Richard Tice was not impressed by Labour’s proposals, saying: “This is too little, too late. The bottom line is Britain shouldn’t be this vulnerable to foreign fuel shocks. What we need is proper energy security not endless consultations and net zero fantasies.”

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 it the Middle East.”

Airlines will be able to to hand back a selection of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate these in the following season.

If anyone’s flight is cancelled by the airline, they have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund.

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.”

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive 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.”