Last night, the UK government outlined a number of different contingency plans aimed at limiting the potential travel disruption caused by global uncertainty over the Middle East.
This really is a case of IF there are any such disruptions, not that there will be. There are no immediate signs of fuel supply problems, and a ‘lightning consultation’ has been launched to provide airlines with the flexibility needed to amend flight schedules early, thus designed to give greater certainty before travelling and take away the stress of last-minute cancellations at airports.
One of the key parts of the proposal includes relaxing airport slot rules. Currently, there is a ‘use it or lose it’ policy, where airlines have to use 80% of their slots, or risk losing them. Relaxing this rule will encourage airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple daily flights, rather than running empty ghost flights or cancellations at the last minute. Rescheduling these flights earlier and rerouting passengers onto similar services earlier if necessary.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has emphasised that the government is monitoring jet fuel supplies daily following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. To help further, the UK has increased domestic jet fuel production and continues to import supplies from a diverse range of countries, such as the United States, that do not rely on the affected shipping routes.
This is also a good time to give a reminder of the legal rights you have. If a flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a refund or to be re-routed, and significant delays entitle you to care and assistance, including food and accommodation if necessary.
