European airport slots

The European Commission’s proposal to finally reinstate standard airport slot usage rules for the upcoming winter 2022/23 season has not been universally embraced by the aviation community.

The airports association ACI Europe has welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to finally reinstate standard airport slot usage rules whilst Willie Walsh, IATA’s Chief Executive, is very wary.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, commented: “Airports understood and accepted the need for slot waivers for airlines during the pandemic. But there is no question these waivers also came with forgone connectivity and forgone revenues for airports. Going back to the normal slot usage rule while still giving airlines the flexibility and protection they need when faced with travel restrictions or the impact of the war on specific markets is the right thing to do now that air traffic is finally recovering. We urge the EU Council and the European Parliament to support this Commission proposal and expedite its approval”.

IATA says the rules must stay in place until next summer.

"The chaos we have seen at certain airports this summer has occurred with a slot use threshold of 64%", said Walsh.

"We are worried that airports will not be ready in time to service an 80% threshold by the end of October. It is essential the Member States and Parliament adjust the Commission’s proposal to a realistic level and permit flexibility to the slot use rules.

"Airports are equal partners in the slot process, let them demonstrate their ability to declare and manage their capacity accurately and competently and then restore the slot use next summer".

www.aci-europe.org

www.iata.org

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