UK Moves to Allow Flight Merging as Jet Fuel Crisis Deepens

The UK Government announced plans on Sunday to temporarily allow airlines to merge flights during the upcoming summer travel season, as soaring jet fuel prices and supply concerns linked to the Iran conflict place mounting pressure on the aviation sector.

The measures aim to reduce last-minute cancellations and improve schedule reliability, particularly during peak holiday travel.

Under the proposed plan, airlines will be permitted to merge flights operating on the same routes and adjust schedules more freely. The government will also allow carriers to waive certain takeoff and landing slot requirements without risking their allocation for future seasons.

“These temporary measures will enable airlines, for example, to combine schedules on routes with multiple daily flights to the same destination,” the government said in a statement.

Passengers may also be reassigned to earlier equivalent flights, helping minimize airport congestion and avoid disruptive delays.

The policy shift comes as jet fuel prices surge following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on February 28.

According to the International Air Transport Association, average jet fuel prices climbed to $179 per barrel in the week ending April 24, significantly higher than pre-war levels.

Analysts at Société Générale warned that jet fuel shortages in the Middle East are evolving into a severe logistical challenge for Europe, increasing operational risks for airlines across the region.

Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, said his airline remains relatively protected after hedging 80% of its fuel costs. However, he cautioned that other carriers could face “real failures” if fuel prices remain elevated.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday after failing to secure a last-minute rescue deal with bondholders, underscoring the financial strain facing the industry. Rising costs, particularly fuel expenses, have compounded the airline’s long-standing challenges.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said authorities are closely monitoring fuel supply levels.

“Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been reviewing jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports, and fuel providers to prevent any potential disruptions,” she said, adding that there are currently no immediate supply shortages.

The government emphasized that the measures would help airlines avoid operating near-empty flights, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption while maintaining service continuity.

Industry representatives, including Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK, welcomed the proposal, noting that UK carriers continue to operate normally despite mounting global pressures.