IATA: EU plan to scrap slot use exceptions is ‘premature’
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the return of the slot use status quo is risky for the industry’s full recovery.
The ‘premature’ return to pre-pandemic slot use rules in the EU this winter risks continuing disruption to passengers.
The European Commission announced it plans to return to the 80-20 slot use rule, which requires airlines to operate at least 80% of every planned slot sequence.
IATA says the failure of several key airports to accommodate demand, along with increasing air traffic control delays, means it could lead to further passenger disruption.
IATA cites airports announcing full capacity is available and then requiring airlines to make cuts this summer shows the system is not ready for moving back to ‘normal’ slot use this winter.
“The chaos we have seen at certain airports this summer has occurred with a slot use threshold of 64%. We are worried that airports will not be ready in time to service an 80% threshold by the end of October,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“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.”
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