New summer flight rules for the UK

The UK government will let airlines cancel summer flights weeks in advance under contingency plans launched on Sunday (3 May).

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander opened a lightning consultation on take-off and landing rules at UK airports three days after meeting Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet at the end of April.

The measures would let carriers hand back a portion of their allocated slots without forfeiting them for the next season, breaking the 80% “use it or lose it” threshold that currently forces airlines to fly half-empty planes to protect future schedules.

The Department for Transport said there are no immediate jet fuel supply issues, but it is acting now to head off short-notice cancellations linked to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

What the new rules would do

Airlines could consolidate flights on routes with multiple services to the same destination on the same day.

Instead of cancelling individual flights at the gate, carriers could merge passengers onto a single aircraft well in advance, cutting wasted fuel from near-empty flights and reducing airport delays.

The changes build on a separate update from Airport Coordination Limited, the UK’s independent slot coordinator, which has already exempted airlines from the 80% rule in cases of fuel shortage.

Alexander said the legislation will give airlines tools to adjust flights in good time, protecting passengers and businesses.

The government has monitored jet fuel supplies daily since the Strait of Hormuz closed and continues to plan for a range of contingencies, including increased domestic jet fuel production and imports from countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled

If an airline cancels your flight, you have a legal right to either a full refund or rerouting on a comparable service, including with another carrier.

Significant delays trigger separate entitlements: airlines must provide food, drink, communications, and, where necessary, overnight accommodation after defined thresholds.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said airlines should give passengers as much notice as possible of any cancellations made under the new slot flexibility.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said carriers continue to operate normally and are not experiencing fuel supply problems.

Alderslade welcomed the consultation as a way to adjust schedules responsibly and avoid unnecessary flying while protecting connectivity for passengers.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, called the contingency planning sensible given current conditions but confirmed her members continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies.

AirportsUK will work with ministers and officials on the proposals during the consultation period.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Middle East conflict has put global jet fuel supply under pressure. UK fuel imports come from a range of countries, including the United States, and domestic production has increased.

Several UK-linked carriers, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Skybus and Aurigny, have already cancelled or reduced summer routes due to mandatory maintenance, demand drops, or fuel cost pressures.

Major low-cost operators easyJet and Jet2 have so far avoided broad cancellations but flagged higher fuel costs in recent updates.

What UK travellers should do

• Check your flight status with your airline before travelling to the airport
• Review your travel insurance to confirm cover for airline disruption and insolvency
• If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline immediately to request a refund or rerouting in writing
• Keep receipts for food, drink and accommodation during qualifying delays for reimbursement
• Monitor FCDO travel advice and your airline’s app for updates throughout summer 2026

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