Ministers have unveiled a package of measures to mitigate the ongoing impact of the war in the Middle East following discussions with Britain's major airports and airlines.

An industry-wide consultation on the proposals got under way on Tuesday (5 May), chief among them being leeway for airlines to temporarily consolidate their schedules on routes to destinations served multiple times a day.

The Department for Transport (DfT) characterised the measures as "contingencies" designed to allow airlines to lock in their earlier schedules and "plan realistically" this summer.

"The measure would help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, avoid stressful delays at the airport, prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets and reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes," said the DfT.

While the government stresses airlines are not currently facing fuel supply issues, the DfT said government would consult with industry on actions that could be taken quickly "before disruption takes hold".

'Long-term certainty'

Speaking following a roundtable with representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, transport secretary Heidi Alexander 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 it the Middle East."

In addition, airlines will be able to hand back a limited proportion of their take-off and land slots without losing the right to operate them the following season.

The DfT said so-called "hand backs" would help airlines "build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations" rather than operating "ghost flights" or making cancellations at short notice.

'Protecting connectivity'

It follows a decision by the UK's slot coordinator, Airport Coordination Limited, to relax the 80:20 "use it or lose it" rule so airlines don't have to give up routes if they aren't able to fly them due to jet fuel shortages.

Elsewhere, the government is reportedly looking at options to loosen the rules around what types of jet fuel can be used in the UK, and at where supplies come from.

It has also reiterated passengers have a legal right to choose between being re-routed or refunded in the event of disruption, and assistance by way of sustenance and overnight accommodation in the event of major delays.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.

"We welcome the government’s contingency planning including slot alleviation which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying, and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers."

Full industry picture

Abta has welcomed the measures, but has urged the government to look beyond just the aviation sector. "It is right for policymakers to take steps that enable the aviation sector to plan and to provide additional certainty," said director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge.

"But the government’s consultation must consider all parts of the travel sector – including travel agents and tour operators. The Middle East conflict affects all of the industry, and a holistic approach is required.

"At times like these, it’s important the industry has an open dialogue with government about what is happening right now, potential challenges in the future should the situation change, and measures of support that may be needed."

Petherbridge added it was Abta's aim to make sure the government approaches the crisis with a full industry perspective in mind "making sure they understand how any impacts would be felt by our members". "We’ll use this consultation as another opportunity to do that," said Petherbridge.

Rules 'now bent in favour of airlines'

Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “Millions of Britons will have already booked their flights for this summer, often paying over the odds for flights at peak times.

"Existing rules already allow airlines to move customers to new flights so long as they give them more than 14 days' notice and offer the choice between a new flight or a refund. It's only for cancellations within 14 days that compensation is payable, rightly.

"It's not fair for the rules to now be bent in favour of airlines and potentially leave passengers holding the bill. Many passengers will understand that disruptions can occur and may be happy to travel a few hours or a day later, but for those on short trips or connecting flights it could mean the trip is no longer worthwhile.

"Before any changes are made, passengers need cast-iron assurances that their rights will not be weakened and that airlines cannot use reform as cover to shift the cost of disruption onto travellers."