The European Commission is under pressure to relax rules regarding the allocation of takeoff and landing slots at European Union airports—rules that are creating situations where planes fly without passengers in the context of the pandemic.
European legislation requires air carriers to use at least 80% of their takeoff and landing slots at airports; otherwise, they risk losing them the following year. However, these rules, designed for normal traffic situations, have become impossible to apply amid the dramatic drop in demand for airline tickets as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
After suspending the application of European rules regarding slot usage in March 2020 to prevent air carriers from operating flights with empty planes, Brussels recommended a progressive return to normalcy following the partial recovery of air traffic.
Starting March 28, 2021, airlines are required to use 50% of their takeoff and landing slots at airports to retain them. However, even this percentage is considered excessive by the aviation sector, which is still in a recovery phase, especially after the emergence of the Omicron variant, which caused a new decline in bookings this winter.
Nevertheless, on December 15, 2021, Brussels announced that for the upcoming summer season, which runs from March 28 to October 29, the threshold will be increased to 64% of takeoff and landing slots at airports.
The Belgian Minister of Mobility, Georges Gilkinet, sent a letter to the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Valean, requesting a further reduction of the threshold, citing the exceptional circumstances that currently exist.
“Despite our requests for more flexibility, the EU approved a 50% slot usage rule, which is clearly unrealistic,” said a spokesperson for the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In response, Brussels explains its firmness by the imperative of protecting competition. A spokesperson for the European Commission cited on Wednesday the “need to ensure that airport capacities are used competitively for the benefit of all consumers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “use it or lose it” rule for airport slots?
Under normal EU regulations, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated takeoff and landing slots at an airport to keep them for the following year.
Why are airlines asking for a relaxation of these rules?
Airlines argue that low passenger demand during the pandemic makes the current thresholds unrealistic, forcing them to fly “ghost flights” (empty planes) just to keep their slots.
What is the current slot usage threshold set by the European Commission?
As of late 2021, the threshold was set at 50%, with plans to increase it to 64% for the 2022 summer season, despite industry protests.