Government plans to help prevent last-minute flight cancellations
New proposals could give airlines more flexibility to set schedules early, helping passengers avoid disruption
The Government is looking at ways to make summer travel more reliable and reduce the chances of flights being cancelled at the last minute.
Officials say there are no current problems with flight supplies, but they want to prepare in case global tensions start to affect travel later in the summer.
Preparing for possible disruption:
The main idea is to help airlines plan their flights earlier and more realistically, so fewer changes have to be made at short notice. This could mean airlines grouping flights to the same destination together and making timetables more certain in advance.
Instead of cancelling flights on the day, airlines would be encouraged to move passengers onto other available flights sooner. This would help avoid long waits at airports and reduce stressful last-minute changes for travellers.
The Government also says passenger rights will stay the same. If an airline cancels a flight, passengers would still be able to choose between a refund or being rebooked onto another flight.
Airlines and airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, have already been involved in early talks with the Government about the plans.
Ministers say the goal is to help people get away on holiday with fewer disruptions, even if global events make travel more uncertain.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
"This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.
"We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation it the Middle East."
Helping airlines plan better:
One proposal would let airlines give back some take-off and landing times in advance if they don’t think they’ll use them.
This would help airlines set more realistic timetables and reduce last-minute cancellations.
It could also reduce “ghost flights”, where planes fly almost empty just to keep their slot.
The plan would build on updated guidance already in place from the UK’s flight slot coordinator, which helps airlines keep their slots in certain situations, such as fuel supply problems.
The new idea would go further by letting airlines act earlier based on expected risks, rather than waiting for problems to actually happen.
Your rights if travel is disrupted:
Passengers are being reminded of their rights if flights are cancelled or delayed.
If a flight is cancelled by the airline, passengers can choose a refund or an alternative flight.
For long delays, airlines must provide care such as food, drinks, and hotel accommodation if needed.
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, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.
"Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.
"Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period."
The Government says it is also preparing for possible fuel-related disruption by increasing domestic jet fuel production and sourcing supplies from a wider range of countries.