European Commission
The European Commission published its summary report evaluating the implementation of the current 80-20 slot rule waiver and assessing the need for an extension into the winter season. Based on actual data and traffic projections from EUROCONTROL https://www.eurocontrol.int/covid19, the report concludes that an extension of the waiver to the winter season is justified.
In the report and accompanying statement by the EU Transport Commissioner, the EC cites ACI EUROPE’s, arguments for conditions to ensure prompt slot hand-backs and prevent anti-competitive abuse by airlines. The report cites the problems encountered by airports this summer season due to last-minute handbacks of slots - with implications for reallocation and planning of airport resources, as well as the effects of the waiver on airline competition at airports and the scope for airlines to use this situation to block entry by competitors.
