Airlines criticize EU plan airport slots.
The EU’s plan to begin restoring competition in airport slots next year was criticized on Wednesday by major airlines, which warned that it could lead to a return of empty “ghost flights.
You may be interested: recovery of European air transport will be slower than in other regions.
See also: Recovery of European air transport will be slower than other regions.
The suspension of rules governing take-off and landing rights at occupied airports, introduced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, has become more divisive. Low-cost airlines are eager to see a return to regular rules requiring incumbents to use 80% of their slots or surrender some to their rivals.
You may be interested: Sanchez sees no problem for Iberia to operate in EU airspace after Brexit.
See also: Sanchez sees no problem for Iberia operate in EU airspace after the Brexit.
The European Commission’s proposal would restore the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule for the summer season from March 2021, but with a lower threshold of 40%.
Transport Commissioner Adina Valean said the plan announced on Wednesday would “strike a balance” between fair competition and relief for airlines affected by the drop in travel.
“The effect of the current exemption is to freeze competition at 2019 levels without any requirement that capacity be actually used efficiently. It is time to establish a path to return to a normal ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ application,” Reuters reported.
From the aviation industry groups led by the airline agency IATA said that the EU plan “does not sufficiently address the scope of the continuing air transport crisis,” and called on governments and European parliamentarians to intervene.
Unless it is amended, “could lead to airlines being forced to operate ‘ghost flights’,” they said in a statement.
Related Topics
Avianca Doubles Down on Venezuela: Airline to Operate Two Daily Flights Between Bogota and Caracas
GOL Linhas Aéreas resumes direct flights between São Paulo and Caracas
Laser Airlines to Resume Caracas-Santo Domingo Flights Starting March 18
LATAM Airlines Becomes Only 4-Star Skytrax Carrier in Latin America
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.