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

Airlines will be allowed to cancel flights weeks in advance without losing valuable take-off and landing slots at busy airports if they face fuel shortages this summer. New contingency plans have been drawn up by the government to help carriers plan ahead and avoid last-minute cancellations. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel from the Middle East, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz means those supplies cannot get through, potentially leading to shortages. The government is exploring ways to increase supplies from the US.