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

The Conservatives have warned that families’ summer flights could be canceled and switched to other planes if a jet fuel shortage triggers chaos at airports. The government is considering bold measures to save fuel and avoid last-minute cancellations, but opposition parties warn the crisis in the Middle East has exposed Britain’s weakness on energy security.

Interim measures could allow airlines to “combine schedules” on routes with “more than one flight to the same destination on the same day.” According to the proposals, passengers will be able to switch to alternative flights much earlier instead of facing shock cancellations. This will “prevent flights that do not sell significant ticket sales from being operated” and prevent “wasting fuel by flying almost empty aircraft”.

But Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said: “Families booking a summer holiday may find their flight canceled and put on a different flight at a time of the airline’s choosing. The honest message is that Britain is exposed to fuel supply risks that a fully energy secure country would not face.”

He accused the Labor Party of “making Britain more dependent on imports than it has ever been before”.

Reform Britain’s Richard Tice was unimpressed with Labour’s proposals, saying: “This is too little, too late. The bottom line is that Britain should not be so vulnerable to foreign fuel shocks. What we need is proper energy security, not endless consultations and net zero fantasies.”

Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies on a daily basis and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to avoid any problems.

“There are no immediate supply issues, but we are now preparing to provide long-term certainty to families and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.

“This legislation will give airlines the tools to arrange flights in a timely manner if they need to, which will help protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to protect our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”

Airlines will be able to return some of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the next season.

If anyone’s flight is canceled by the airline, that person has the legal right to choose between rerouting 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 and are reassured in the event of disruption. Airlines have a duty to care for their passengers when they encounter disruptions and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

“The relaxation of rules regarding slots at airports will give airlines greater flexibility and we therefore expect them to provide passengers with as much information as possible about cancellations during this period.”

Airlines UK Chief Executive Tim Alderslade said: “UK airlines continue to operate as normal and have no problems with jet fuel supplies. We plan to take our customers on well-deserved holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.

“We welcome the Government’s contingency planning, including slot easing, a measure that will allow airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flights and continue to operate efficiently while keeping passengers connected.”