Airlines can cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages, under new plans

the uk government will let airlines cancel flights weeks ahead without losing valuable airport slots if fuel shortages hit this summer. the plan lets carriers hand back unused slots temporarily while keeping rights for the following year — a change from the usual 80% usage rule. the uk imports about 65% of its jet fuel, much of it from the middle east. the closure of the strait of hormuz has blocked those supplies. ministers have asked the uk's four refineries to maximise output and are exploring imports of a us-grade fuel called jet a, which has a different freezing point than the standard uk jet a1. transport secretary heidi alexander said the legislation gives airlines "tools to adjust flights in good time." airlines uk chief tim alderslade said it lets them "avoid unnecessary flying." a short consultation runs this week. airlines say they aren't seeing shortages yet, but experts warn iran-war disruptions could cause problems within weeks.