LONDON: Airlines are expected to consolidate schedules on some routes, with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day, as part of emergency measures announced by the British government on Sunday.
The Transportation Department has released a series of interim plans amid ongoing aviation fuel supply issues caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
It highlighted that while British Airways said they were not currently facing supply issues, the government was stepping in to protect travelers from the possibility of last-minute flight cancellations due to major disruption due to the conflict during the upcoming summer holidays.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring aviation fuel supplies on a daily basis and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to respond to any issues.”
“There are no immediate supply issues at the moment, but we are now preparing to provide longer-term certainty for families and avoid unnecessary disruption at gates this summer.
“This legislation will give airlines the tools to promptly adjust flights if needed, which will help protect passengers and businesses,” she said.
Alexander said the UK “will do everything possible to insulate the country from the situation in West Asia”.
These contingency plans are designed to enable airlines to plan realistically and lock in flight schedules as early as possible, thereby reducing the impact of short-notice airport changes.
Rather than canceling flights at the last minute, these temporary measures will help divert passengers to similar services, prevent flights with a large proportion of unsold tickets, and reduce the amount of fuel wasted by flying close to the sky.
The Department for Transport said it would consult with the aviation industry to act quickly before any travel disruption occurs.
The measures will allow airlines to voluntarily return a limited proportion of allocated slots without losing operating rights for the next season.
The Department for Transport said this “giveback” would help airlines set realistic timetables and avoid last-minute cancellations, rather than flying “ghost flights” or canceling flights at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.
Rob Bishton, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Airlines have a responsibility to look after passengers when they face service disruptions and should choose between refunds or alternative travel arrangements, including working with other airlines, if flights are cancelled.”
“Relaxing airport slot rules will give airlines greater flexibility, so we hope they will provide as many cancellation notices to passengers as possible during this period,” he said.
According to British regulations, if an airline cancels a flight, passengers have the legal right to choose a diversion or refund. In the event of significant delays (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 necessary food, drink and overnight accommodation.
The British government said it is raising awareness of consumer rights and working to increase the flexibility of aviation fuel supply and domestic aviation fuel production.
The UK imports aviation fuel supplies from a range of countries that do not rely on the Channel, including the United States. Britain’s four oil refineries have been asked to maximize jet fuel supplies as the government explores options to boost U.S. supplies.
Earlier this week, the transport secretary discussed the government’s contingency plans to protect summer holiday plans at a roundtable with key industry figures, including representatives from Heathrow and Gatwick airports as well as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet.
British Airways chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “British Airways continues to operate as normal and is not experiencing aviation fuel supply issues.”
“We welcome the government’s contingency plans, including slot reductions, as a measure that enables airlines to responsibly adjust flight schedules, avoid unnecessary flying and continue to operate efficiently, while protecting passenger connectivity,” he said.
Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports Association UK, added: “While our partners across the aviation industry continue to report that there is no shortage of jet fuel supplies, the government would be wise to consult on possible action if this were to change.
“We will now work closely with airport members, ministers and officials to review the proposals and respond on how they can best be implemented to deliver the best outcomes for passengers.”
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
