The United Kingdom government has issued new measures that enable airlines to reduce or combine flights ahead as fears mount that there could be a jet fuel shortage in the summer.
The move comes as the world still experiences the impact of the never-ending tensions in the Middle East which have continued to disrupt global fuel supplies raising the fear of disruption in air travel during the peak holiday season.
With the new rules, airlines will have the opportunity to cancel or merge flights earlier than in the past. This is with a view of avoiding having to cancel things at last minute and also to save on the need to fly almost empty planes just to retain slots in the airports.
Typically, airlines are required to utilise the available slots in take-off and landing or lose them. The temporary changes will, however, enable the carriers to have more flexibility in their schedules without the penalty.
According to the officials, the move will enhance reliability among the passengers and lead to improved planning in the travel season of summer. Less full flights can be cancelled early in advance, and the travellers moved on to other services where possible.
The government has emphasised that there is no immediate shortage of jet fuel in the UK but these measures are being taken to act as a precaution to deal with any potential shortage of jet fuel in the UK in the coming months.
The airlines now are beginning to scrutinise their schedules, getting ready to make the possible changes, as the industry is still coping with the new reality of rising fuel prices and unpredictable supply patterns.
It is also recommended that passengers keep on checking their flight details frequently and keep in touch with their airlines in case of any changes.
