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Passengers flying with airlines including Jet2, Ryanair, and easyJet could see significant changes to flight schedules this summer under new Government plans designed to avoid widespread disruption.

Ministers have instructed airlines to prepare contingency plans for a sustained disruption to jet fuel supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to the Telegraph.

Under the proposals, the Government will temporarily relax rules around airport take-off and landing slots, in a bid to reduce last-minute cancellations and "ghost flights".

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the changes would give airlines greater flexibility to adjust schedules in advance rather than making last-ditch decisions at the gate, but it means that flights already booked face major changes.

She said: "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."

Concerns have been heightened after data from analysts at Kpler showed global shipments of jet fuel and kerosene dropped below 2.3 million tonnes last week - the lowest level on record.

Supplies have been squeezed following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that handles around 41% of Europe's jet fuel.

Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden claimed holidaymakers could face chaos.

He said: "Families who have booked their summer holiday could find their flight cancelled and themselves herded onto a different plane, at a time of the airline's choosing.

"The honest message is that Britain is exposed to fuel supply risks that a properly energy-secure country would not face."

However, industry figures have sought to reassure travellers.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said airlines are currently operating as normal and have not yet experienced fuel supply issues.

He said: "We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.

"We welcome the Government's contingency planning including slot alleviation, which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying, and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers."