Major replace on flights impacted by battle in Middle East
Ministers are looking at relaxing take-off and landing rules for flights, to allow airlines to move passengers onto different flights earlier in the event of disruption
Holidays could be protected from disruption caused by the conflict in Iran(Image: Getty Images)
Summer holidays are set for better protection from disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Ministers are looking at relaxing take-off and landing rules, to allow airlines to move passengers onto different flights earlier in the event of disruption.
Measures being considered would allow airlines to hand back a limited number of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the following season.
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This helps them build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty “ghost flights” or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.
The plans are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by helping airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short-notice changes at the airport. This aims to avoid delays at the airport, prevent empty flights and reduce wasted fuel.
The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on Thursday this week, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin and easyJet.
She said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.
“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protects passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”
While UK airlines insist they are not currently facing supply issues, the Government will also work with the industry in order to act quickly if required. Europe’s biggest budget airlines have stated they remain confident in their ability to keep flights running as normal throughout the peak holiday season. Jet2, easyJet and TUI have also all committed to not imposing any additional charges on passengers for fuel price increases.
