The Ministry of Transport (DfT) has temporarily relaxed the rules around airport slots to help airlines avoid last-minute cancellations due to staff shortages.
It says airlines will be given a short period, described as an “amnesty”, to return take-off and landing slots that they are not sure will be able to operate until the end of the summer season.
“This will help passengers find alternative arrangements ahead of time, instead of facing last-minute cancellations observed during Easter and the mid-term holidays,” a spokesman said.
This is a kind of reversal for the government, after asking airlines to introduce full flight schedules, having previously said that airlines must fly 70% of their flights to or lose airports.
Airlines buy slots to fulfill their schedules, but may lose them to competitors if they fail to meet their obligations to the airport and passengers by failing to fly.
EasyJet, along with British Airways, is among the biggest violators of the cancellation.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
2:32 Gatwick airports are reducing the number of flights
The budget airline revealed earlier this week that it could reduce up to 10,000 of the 160,000 flights on sale in July, August and September as it works to make its schedules more stable.
In addition to its own recruitment difficulties, the airline blames problems such as a shortage of ground handling and airport staff, as well as delays in controlling air traffic for extended periods.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
0:39 Heathrow boss about airline problems
EasyJet, along with Ryanair, also faces the prospect of strike action by employees outside the UK.
The head of Ryanair told Sky News earlier on Tuesday that he expected the chaos in the aviation sector to continue during the peak summer season.
Transport Minister Grant Shaps said of the slot amnesty: “It is crucial (people) not to face disappointing last-minute cancellations and chaos at airports when the system cannot deliver … Today’s announcement aims to help of airlines to ensure passenger safety and ensure the next few months are as smooth as possible. “
A Heathrow spokesman said: “DfT ministers and officials have acted swiftly to introduce responsible measures in time for the summer getaway.
“This amnesty will allow airlines to make early choices to consolidate their schedules, boosting the resilience of summer operations and giving passengers the confidence they deserve before traveling.
“We encourage airlines to take this opportunity to review their flight schedules without penalty and to inform passengers as soon as possible of any changes.
“Everyone wants the UK airline industry to get back on its feet as soon as possible, and today’s announcement shows that the UK government is helping to achieve a sustainable recovery.”
Add Comment