Govt to amend slot rules ‘to avoid summer flight cancellations’

The current 80/20 rule means an airline must use a slot for 80% of the time or lose it, but the government hopes to give airlines a short window to hand back slots for the rest of the summer season if they are not confident they will be able to operate flights because of staffing issues.

The Department for Transport told TTG the proposal would be valid for the summer season and “help airlines prevent last-minute flight cancellations during the summer peak”.

It added: “The regulations will allow a one-off ‘amnesty’ on airport slots rules, enabling airlines to plan ahead and deliver a realistic summer schedule that minimises disruption at the airports. This is being provided as an exceptional measure, while the industry makes progress in recruiting necessary staff.”

The DfT said Brexit meant it could change rules without having to follow EU guidelines.

The spokesperson added: “We have consulted separately on the slot rules for the next season and keep all measures under review.”

Measures will need to be debated in both the Commons and the House of Lords. However, the DfT said: “We expect airlines to work on the basis of the draft statutory instrument so that they can put in place a robust schedule ahead of the summer peak.”

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Today’s announcement aims to help airlines provide certainty to passengers and ensure the next few months are as smooth as possible.”

The proposal was given a broad welcome by the industry and regulators.

CAA chief executive Richard Moriarty said: “Providing passengers with certainty this summer is vital, and this intervention will help to relieve the pressures we see being experienced by the aviation industry and its customers.

“Short-term measures are welcomed, but a continued focus on the unplanned and inevitable operational challenges is crucial for consumer confidence this summer.”

Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade added: "This is a welcome step, which will help build greater resilience into operations this summer, coming on top of measures already taken by the sector.”