Airlines demand UK relax noise rules and cut flight tax as fuel shortage looms

The trade body Airlines UK has submitted a list of demands on behalf of carriers, including British Airways, in preparation for a possible fuel shortage. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Airlines are lobbying the UK government to relax environmental and noise rules, modify passenger rights and cut taxes on flying, as they prepare for higher costs and a possible shortage of jet fuel because of the war in the Middle East.

A list of policy requests submitted to ministers and the aviation regulator includes suspending the emissions trading scheme and relaxing limits on night flights, it has emerged.