People could see their flights from the UK rearranged due to the UK Government relaxing a specific rule. Holidaymakers should be aware that their flight details may change to avoid journeys that could result in "wasted fuel".

Officials from the Department for Transport claim airlines could consider cancelling certain flights, as a temporary rule change has been introduced allowing airlines to consolidate flights and group passengers together. It is designed to reduce the number of planes taking off, in an effort to conserve jet fuel and give people planning holidays peace of mind that trips will not be entirely cancelled.

Instead of cutting flights at the last minute, the measures would "reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes". To make the most of services leaving airports, airlines would review their flight plans and could move passengers from unbooked flights that have not sold a significant proportion of tickets onto similar services.

The Government claims that these "contingency preparations" are designed to "give families greater confidence when travelling this summer". Airlines have always had the option to cancel and rebook flights, but it usually came at a cost.

Addressing the update, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. 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. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East."

The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur.

The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.

If a flight is subject to a significant delay,  passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary. In general, delays that warrant this include at least two hours for short-haul, three hours for medium-haul and four hours for long-haul.

Rob Bishton, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "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."

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being rerouted or a refund. See more about rights after a flight cancellation here.