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UK Orders Airlines to Cancel Flights in Advance, Adds Airport Slot Flexibility
The UK government has introduced contingency plans allowing airlines to cancel flights early without losing airport slots amid potential jet fuel shortages caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. This follows US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Iranian retaliation over the past two months, disrupting oil exports. Officials aim to provide certainty for travelers planning summer holidays.
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The UK government announced plans on Sunday morning to protect summer holidays from disruptions caused by potential jet fuel shortages, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Under the new measures, airlines serving the UK must cancel flights sooner rather than later if facing jet fuel shortages, to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Carriers can cancel flights without losing slots at key aviation hubs including London airports, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester if shortages loom.
The government developed these contingency measures allowing carriers to temporarily return unused slots while preserving rights for the following year. Britain's four refineries have been requested to boost jet fuel production. The UK government is investigating options to import additional jet fuel supplies from America.
Airlines UK Chief Executive Tim Alderslade stated the plan would allow carriers to 'avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating as efficiently as possible while protecting connectivity for passengers and trade'. Carriers must use allocated airport slots at least 80 per cent of the time during a season or risk losing them.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has blocked jet fuel supplies from reaching Britain.
Britain imports roughly 65 per cent of its jet fuel, with a substantial portion typically arriving from the Middle East. The International Energy Agency warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages by June unless alternative sources are secured. The Strait of Hormuz closed following US-Israeli attacks on Iran over the past two months and Iranian retaliation, disrupting oil exports.
