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Following the approval by the European Parliament’s plenary on 6 October, Member States have reached an agreement on 13 October regarding the waiver from slot-use requirements at EU airports. The deal foresees temporary measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath and to air travel impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The current situation in air transport is marked by a significant return of passenger demand in summer this year, as airports and airlines were not capable to completely reboot the capacity at the required speed. This upward trend is expected to continue, although it is expected to stay below pre-COVID levels for the coming months and differs significantly from one market or region to another. Most recent statistics show air operations below the baseline forecast. As regards the upcoming winter season starting end of October, Member States agreed that a high degree of uncertainty due to inflation, energy crises, a possible return of COVID-19 waves and related measures, as well as the evolution of the war, must be taken into account.

The Council’s mandate confirms the Commission’s proposal to move towards normality while continuing to provide certain flexibility. To ensure a gradual approach in the surrounding uncertainty, Member States agreed that a general slot relief at 75% would still apply during the winter season, which lasts until 25 March 2023. In case of urgent need stemming from an epidemiological crisis or the war, the Commission will be empowered to modify that rule through delegated acts. In addition, air carriers will be allowed to benefit from justified unused slots and count them as operated. On the other hand, air carriers prohibited to fly into Union airspace will lose their slots immediately. The new Regulation will apply to the coming winter season and until the end of the summer season of next year, for which the standard 80% slot utilisation rule will apply, unless the Commission adopts a delegated act to change this rule due to crisis-induced disruptions.

The agreement by EU member states’ representatives (COREPER), in line with the European Parliament’s position adopted on 6 October, paves the way for an urgent adoption of the new regulation. The Council is expected to adopt the legislative act on 17 October 2022.

Source: Council of the European Union