Brits are told to brace for ‘a summer of stress’ as ministers give airlines the green light to cancel flights

Holidaymakers have been warned to prepare for a summer of flight cancellations and disruption as ministers announced plans aimed at limiting the impact of fuel shortages.

Under new Department for Transport rules outlined on Sunday, airlines will be given the freedom to cut flights from their schedules if they can fit passengers on other planes with empty seats.

This means they can cancel flights without fear of losing take-off and landing slots, which could be worth millions of pounds.

Transport Minister Heidi Alexander acknowledged there could be disruptions under emergency measures but insisted the ‘majority’ of holidaymakers would not be affected.

Experts said this would likely lead to fewer last-minute cancellations, giving travelers a few weeks to prepare for any changes to their journeys.

It is hoped this will also increase the supply of jet fuel, which will mean more passengers reaching their destinations.

But they warned it would still create ‘summer stress’ for thousands of people, with those affected having to adjust their stay dates and car rental times.

Holidaymakers are already facing higher fees as the cost of jet fuel doubled during the Iran war. The UK and Europe are dependent on imports, especially for fuel. Closing the Strait of Hormuz threatens to further tighten supply and lead to cancellations in the coming weeks.

This comes as traders warned that global oil markets were just four weeks away from a ‘turning point’ that would push prices even higher. About a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Bosphorus, and the blockade has caused household energy bills to rise as well as pump prices for motorists.

Paul Charles, managing director of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: ‘The good news is that the Government is trying to get airlines to cancel all flights well in advance. But the bad news is that cancellations may be needed after all.

‘Passengers will see flights combined each day, particularly on higher frequency routes such as London to New York, London to Miami, and potentially some services that are currently daily and could instead operate four times a week.

“Travelers will be inconvenienced at best, and at worst face major changes to their summer plans and will have to alter other parts of their holiday plans, such as accommodation and car rental, especially if they end up on a flight arriving at a completely different time than they had originally planned.

‘Be prepared for possible summer stress for passengers and airline crews.’

Which consumer group? While reacting to the rule change as being “skewed in favor of airlines”, Tory transport spokesman Richard Holden said families could find themselves “put on a different flight at a time of the airline’s choosing”.

‘The honest message is that the UK is exposed to fuel supply risks that a country with full energy security would not face,’ he added.

On Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Ms Alexander said airlines ‘have a good view of jet fuel supply for the next six to eight weeks’ and suggested flights thereafter could be at risk.

He added: ‘There are currently no disruptions to jet fuel supplies. For example, we import more jet fuel from America.

‘We asked UK refineries to maximize their production. Based on the information I have, I’m confident that the majority of people traveling this summer will have a similar experience to what they had last year.’

Airlines UK, which represents major carriers including BA, Easyjet and Ryanair, said: ‘We welcome the Government’s contingency planning, including the easing of slots, a measure that allows airlines to adjust their schedules responsibly and avoid unnecessary flights. [where passenger numbers are low] and continue to operate efficiently while keeping passengers connected.’