Europe’s airlines and airports are highly concerned by the European Commission’s (EC) proposal to amend the airport slot regulation. The proposal does not sufficiently address the extent of the continuing crisis in air transport, the likely state of recovery in Summer 2021 and the required level of airport slot relief measures that would best support aviation’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
Airports, airlines and slot coordinators negotiated a worldwide recommendation for relief measures in the Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB). The Commission proposal, which was developed in parallel to these negotiations, differs significantly from the WASB recommendation.
In its proposal, the EC suggests airport slots should be handed back three weeks prior to operation on a rolling basis, but offers no ability for airlines to return slots in bulk without risking future access to airports....read here
