Airlines can cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages under new plans
Ministers hope move would help avoid last-minute flight cancellations for passengers this summer over Middle East fuel supplies.
AI Summary
The UK government has introduced new contingency plans allowing airlines to cancel flights in advance due to potential fuel shortages this summer without losing their valuable airport landing slots. The measures aim to prevent disruptive last-minute cancellations by letting airlines plan ahead, while the government has also asked UK refineries to maximize jet fuel production and is exploring increased supplies from the US. Experts warn that disruption to Middle East fuel supplies caused by regional conflict could create shortages in Europe by June, as the UK currently imports about 65% of its jet fuel.