The UK government is to offer a one-off “amnesty” to airlines on airport slots rules in an attempt to help carriers to operate “realistic” summer schedules that will minimise disruption at airports.
The aviation sector has suffered a stream of negative headlines over recent weeks due to last-minute flight cancellations and long queues to get through airports, with difficulties in recruiting new staff and obtaining the necessary security passes being blamed for the disruption.
Airlines' operational problems have also recreated lots of extra work for travel management companies.
Under the government's new plan, airlines will be given the chance to temporarily hand back valuable take-off and landing slots at UK airports this summer if they are not able to operate them. This is effectively a temporary suspension of the usual “use it or lose it” slot rules over the summer peak period.
The government said the policy, which was introduced in the UK Parliament on Tuesday (21 June), was designed to help airlines to “prevent last-minute flight cancellations during the summer peak”.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said that he would do “everything in my power” to stop last-minute cancellations and “chaos” at airports.
“Today’s announcement aims to help airlines provide certainty to passengers and ensure the next few months are as smooth as possible,” added Shapps.
Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority, 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.”
The government’s move was also praised by Airlines UK, which represents the major UK-based carriers.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “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.
“We will continue to work with ministers and the whole aviation eco-system to ensure the summer peak runs as smoothly as possible for our passengers.”
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at UK travel association, ABTA, added: “The vast majority of flights have been going ahead as planned but some people have been affected by last-minute cancellations.
“Allowing additional flexibility around airport slots will help minimise these late cancellations meaning, if necessary, any changes can be made in advance.”