UK airlines to be allowed to cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages

As of May 4, 2026, the UK government has introduced emergency contingency plans allowing airlines to cancel or consolidate flights at least two weeks in advance to manage potential jet fuel shortages. While Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated there are no immediate supply issues as of early May, the measures are a proactive response to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict in the Middle East, which has severely disrupted global energy routes. Slot Flexibility: Airlines can temporarily "hand back" takeoff and landing slots without losing them for the following year. Normally, airlines must use slots 80% of the time (the "use it or lose it" rule), which sometimes leads to "ghost flights" just to maintain rights.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/today-explained--6659607/support.Don’t miss our latest episodes! follow us to stay updates with fresh news everyday. Let’s keep the support our podcast to serve update news entire the world!