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UK sets out fuel contingency plans for flights amid US-Iran conflict
The UK government unveiled temporary jet fuel contingency measures for airlines to consolidate schedules and offer flexibility on take-off and landing slots amid fuel supply concerns linked to the US-Iran conflict. The plans aim to reduce last-minute cancellations and prevent ghost flights during the upcoming summer travel period, with industry groups and regulators signaling cautious approval.
Why It Matters
The measures seek to protect passengers and businesses from disruption by enabling more advance scheduling and recovery options if fuel supply issues worsen, while maintaining air connectivity during a period of geopolitical tension.
Timeline
7 Events
Industry reactions to contingency planning
May 3, 2026
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said airlines are not currently facing jet fuel issues and welcomed the contingency planning and slot relief to adjust schedules while protecting passengers; Karen Dee, CEO of AirportsUK, noted the need to respond to proposals with a focus on best outcomes for passengers.
Fuel supply monitoring and supply diversification efforts
May 3, 2026
The government said it has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily since the Strait of Hormuz closure, with no immediate supply issues reported; jet fuel imports come from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, and four UK refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel supply while exploring options to increase supplies from the US.
Passenger rights and remedies highlighted
May 3, 2026
Under UK rules, if a flight is cancelled by the airline, passengers may choose a reroute or a refund; for significant delays, passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.
CAA comments on passenger rights and airline responsibility
May 3, 2026
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said airlines have a duty to look after passengers during disruption and should offer a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.
Provisions for volatility: slot hand-backs without loss of rights
May 3, 2026
The measures would allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them in the following season, helping to avoid last-minute cancellations and inefficient use of capacity.
UK government announces temporary jet fuel contingency plans for flights
May 3, 2026
The Department for Transport issued a series of temporary contingency measures requiring airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day, in response to jet fuel supply issues tied to the US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Industry roundtable discussions on contingency plans
April 2026
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander discussed the government's contingency plans at a roundtable with industry figures, including representatives from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports as well as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, earlier this week.