Airlines in the United Kingdom will be allowed to cancel flights weeks in advance without losing valuable take off and landing slots if jet fuel shortages arise this summer. The government has introduced contingency plans to help carriers adjust schedules early and avoid last minute disruption for passengers.

The move comes amid concerns that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt fuel supplies from the Middle East, from which the United Kingdom imports a large share of its jet fuel. The International Energy Agency has warned that Europe could face shortages within weeks unless alternative supplies are secured.

Under normal rules, airlines must use their allocated airport slots at least 80 percent of the time or risk losing them to competitors, a system that can encourage near empty flights. The new proposal would temporarily allow airlines to hand back unused slots while retaining the right to use them the following year.

Ministers have also asked domestic refineries to maximise production and are exploring options to increase imports, including permitting a different fuel grade commonly used in the United States. Passenger rights to refunds, rebooking and care would remain in place, although calls from airlines to limit compensation obligations have not been accepted.