This temporary rule change will allow airline carriers to consolidate flights on routes where there are multiple trips to the same destination on the same day.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it means passengers could be moved from the service they originally booked to a similar one to reduce the amount of wasted fuel from flying planes that have not sold out and might have been cancelled.

Why has DfT revealed this temporary rule change for UK airlines?

If your travel plans have been disrupted to or from the Middle East, you may be able to use your existing rail ticket on the day you land or claim a full refund.

Find out more information and the eligible countries here: https://t.co/6jGrSMPqGc pic.twitter.com/17XIcEEf9O

— Department for Transport (@transportgovuk) March 13, 2026

It comes amid warnings of a shortage of jet fuel ahead of the peak summer holiday season if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.

Supplies of jet fuel from the Middle East have been disrupted since the US and Israel’s war with Iran because of Iran’s effective closure of the strait, a critical international shipping route.

The DfT said the measure is designed to give passengers “greater confidence” by helping airlines to lock in their schedules earlier.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.

“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.”

Meanwhile, Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, added: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur. 

“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”

However, the Conservatives have criticised the new plan, claiming it could see passengers “herded on to a different plane, at a time of the airline’s choosing”.

Consumer group Which? said rules should not be “bent in favour of airlines”.

✈️ Neglecting the small print, taking out insurance last-minute, forgetting tourist taxes….

…our travel expert Kate Pasola reveals 8 things she’d never do when booking her holidays this year 👇 https://t.co/EPTWSC0FYa pic.twitter.com/9b7cfXQDIf

— Which? (@WhichUK) May 2, 2026

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, explained: “Existing rules already allow airlines to move customers to new flights so long as they give them more than 14 days’ notice and offer the choice between a new flight or a refund.

“It’s only for cancellations within 14 days that compensation is payable, rightly.

“It’s not fair for the rules to now be bent in favour of airlines and potentially leave passengers holding the bill.

“Many passengers will understand that disruptions can occur and may be happy to travel a few hours or a day later, but for those on short trips or connecting flights it could mean the trip is no longer worthwhile.

“Before any changes are made, passengers need cast-iron assurances that their rights will not be weakened and that airlines cannot use reform as cover to shift the cost of disruption on to travellers.”

US airline shuts down after 34 years – what it means for passengers

Also in the aviation industry, a US airline has announced that it has gone out of business after 34 years, and all its flights have been cancelled.

Spirit Airlines , which once operated hundreds of daily flights on its bright yellow planes and employed about 17,000 people, said it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately”.

Known for offering budget flights, the American airline said on its website that all flights have been cancelled and customer service is no longer available.

“We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come,” the announcement said.

If you’ve booked flights with Spirit Airlines to US hotspots, you might wonder what you should do to secure a refund.

Recommended reading:

The airline told customers that they could expect refunds, but there would be no help in booking travel on other airlines.

It warned its customers not to arrive at airports following the cancellation of all its flights.

To check your refund status, you’ll need to log on to the website or search for your trip.

Have you had any recent flights that have been cancelled or rescheduled from or to the UK over the last few weeks? Let us know in the comments below.

Burford charity Blue Cross is calling on owners to get help as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, following new research from Which? that shows millions of households are skipping meals.

The charity provides free cat and dog food through its pet food bank at its shop on Sheep Lane in Bicester.

Diane James, head of people services at Blue Cross, said: “Pets are part of the family, and for some, their only companion.

“We’re seeing a real hidden pet welfare crisis, with many owners struggling behind closed doors as living costs continue to rise.

“We’re doing everything we can to help keep pets and their owners together.

“Our pet food banks are just one of the ways we’re supporting families in need.

“Owners have told us they are skipping meals so they can feed their pets.”

People can receive a two-week supply, up to four times over a 12-month period.

Blue Cross also supplies pet food to food banks across the country with the support of Pets at Home.

The scheme has helped feed more than four million pets across the UK so far.

Ms James said: “We are always grateful to receive donations of pet food from members of the public to help us to help even more people and pets.”

To find your nearest Blue Cross pet food bank or donation point, visit bluecross.org.uk/petfoodbank.

Student newspaper The Oxford Student says an internal Oxford Union source has confirmed that the activist has been asked to take part in a Thursday night debate later this term, although no date has yet been publicly advertised.

GB News has also reported that Mr Robinson was “secretly invited” to an Oxford Union discussion on Islam, suggesting that the plan had not been widely shared with the broader membership in advance.

The Oxford Union, which operates independently of the University of Oxford, has so far not issued a public statement confirming the event, its speakers or its format.

READ MORE: Police issue fresh statement on ‘shocking’ black smoke fire

Tommy Robinson. (Image: Ben Whitley / PA Wire)

Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon, is a far‑right activist best known as a co‑founder and former leader of the English Defence League (EDL).

Over the past decade, he has been a prominent figure in national debates about extremism, protest and free expression, and has been convicted of a number of offences, including fraud and contempt of court.

Supporters argue that he highlights issues such as Islamist extremism and shortcomings in public institutions, while critics and anti‑racism groups accuse him of targeting Muslims and promoting divisive rhetoric.

This would not be Mr Robinson’s first appearance at the Union.

READ MORE: Oxford University students ‘shocked’ as ‘flames erupt’ in city

The University of Oxford. (Image: Pexels)

After an earlier invitation was cancelled in 2013 over security concerns, he went on to address the society the following year, speaking to an audience of around 250 while protesters gathered outside.

The Oxford Student reports that the latest invitation has already prompted internal unease among some members, who have raised questions about how speakers are selected and informed, and about the handling of security and safeguarding.

Outside the society, campaigners are beginning to mobilise.

Stand Up To Racism and other groups have shared details of a planned demonstration under the banner “No Platform for Fascist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union”, encouraging students and residents to protest if the event goes ahead.

READ MORE: Another 5G mast ‘set on fire’ in Oxford, say police officers

Oxford Union in St Michael’s Street. (Image: Roger Askew)

The Oxford Union has long argued that hosting controversial speakers is part of its mission to promote robust debate, stressing that invitations do not amount to endorsements of any individual’s views.

In previous statements about disputed speakers, Union officers have said the society provides a neutral forum where members can question guests and challenge their arguments.

At the time of writing, the Union had not publicly confirmed Mr Robinson’s attendance or set out any specific arrangements for security, protests or member welfare around the reported debate.

Both the Oxford Union and Oxford University have been contacted for comment.