07 October 2022

PARLIAMENT VOTES ON NEW SLOT UTILISATION RULES

On 6 October, the European Parliament voted on the European Commission’s proposal to amend the slot utilisation rules at Union airports, endorsing a gradual return to the utilisation rate of 80%. As of 30 October 2022, airlines would have to use 75 % of their planned take-off and landing slots (instead of the 80% required before the pandemic) in order to keep them the following season. From the 2023 summer season, the standard 80% slot utilisation requirement should apply. The debate in plenary can be followed here.

Parliament also approved further exceptions to justify not using the slots, such as epidemiological emergencies, natural disasters, or widespread political unrest with a disruptive effect on air travel. The European Commission can also lower the minimum slot utilisation rate if air traffic levels fall below 80% (compared with 2019 figures) for two consecutive weeks due to COVID-19, for another epidemiological situation, or as a direct result of Russia's war against Ukraine.

In addition, the new rules allow for air connectivity to be restored between the EU and Ukraine when the time comes. For example, there would be a 16-week recovery period before slot-use requirements become applicable again once Ukrainian airspace reopens. MEPs set up these relief measures for two scheduling seasons, from 30 October 2022 until 28 October 2023.

Parliament and Council consulted each other informally before the vote. Following the formal approval by the Parliament, the Council also has to approve the rules, so they can enter into force after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Source: European Parliament