EU adjusts airline slot rules to help cope with disruptions

The European Union proposed Tuesday to loosen its rules governing airline takeoff and landing slots as airports struggle to balance a surge in travelers with a shortage of workers. 

The new rules would allow airlines to cancel flights because of events related to a pandemic, natural disasters or widespread political risk without jeopardizing their access to prized slots.

The bloc is proposing to return to the standard slot use rate of 80% starting on Oct. 30 even as it would add new exceptions for airlines facing unexpected disruptions. 

“Demand for air traffic is clearly back, and the time has come to return to normal slot use rates to ensure the efficient use of airport capacity, with fair and competitive access for airlines, to the benefit of passengers,” EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean said in a statement. “But we must make sure we are better prepared for the unexpected.” 

The plan still needs to be approved by the European Parliament and member states.

Airports and airlines across Europe are slashing capacity and canceling flights after being caught flatfooted by a surge of demand following two years of virtually no travel. London’s Heathrow airport on Tuesday said it is imposing a two-month cap on daily passenger traffic to cope with the overload.

The UK government recently waived rules that require airlines to use takeoff and landing slots or lose them the next season, urging companies to scrap services where necessary.