For the first time since the 1990s, the UK aviation industry will have a say
on its airport slot regime as the Department for Transport
launches the airport slot allocation
system reform consultation today (4 December 2023) to
boost the growing success of the sector.
Like parking spaces for planes, slots are used to manage capacity
at the busiest airports across the country. A slot gives
permission for an airline to use the full range of airport
infrastructure – from runways to terminals – to operate on a
specific date and time.
Following its departure from the EU, UK aviation is no longer shackled by
an outdated slot regime and can now take a more tailored approach
that works best for businesses and passengers across the country.
The reforms being consulted on will include proposals for new
ways to manage slot capacity and how they are allocated to
airlines.
This includes limiting slot leasing, so instead of larger
airlines monopolising slots, they can be allocated to other
competitors if not used after a set period – allowing for newer
or smaller airlines with possible cheaper prices to receive
favourable slots and make the process more dynamic. The reforms
also aim to give more powers to respond to crises, making the
industry more resilient and efficient in times of uncertainty.
The current system, based on EU regulations, requires the slot
allocation process to be consistent across Europe but while the
sector has developed and grown in the last 20 years, the rules of
the slot system have remained unchanged. Now, with our new
freedoms, we can ensure that the system takes
the UK’s specific needs
into account.
These pivotal reforms, designed to balance the interests of both
airlines and airports, have the potential to usher in heightened
market competition, enable more innovation and encourage lower
prices. For example, increasing opportunities for new airlines to
obtain slots in the UK’s
busiest airports will encourage greater competition and drive
productivity between airlines.
With this could come more affordable flights and seamless
journeys as airlines strive to offer better deals and prices than
their competitors - benefiting millions of passengers who travel
through the UK’s
airports.
Airports will also see their slots being used more effectively as
airlines will be required to use them instead of store or lease
them – increasing the number of flights and making journeys
smoother.
Aviation Minister, , said:
For decades the UK aviation industry was subject to
European rules that didn’t have the UK’s interest at heart, but as it goes
from strength to strength following the pandemic, it needs a
system that will empower it – not constrain it.
This consultation will bring the sector to the forefront of
decision-making, helping to end monopolies within the slot
regime, drive healthy competition between airlines and make the
aviation sector more dynamic for the future while also
benefitting millions of passengers.
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association,
said:
Slots reform is an opportunity to improve the efficiency of
the UK aviation
system and this consultation is a welcome step in that direction.
We will be working constructively with government to ensure
airports’ views are taken on board as these plans develop.
Through collaboration between the government and industry
partners, these reforms will ensure airport capacity is used to
its fullest to reduce delays and optimise flight schedules, while
also delivering the department’s Flightpath to the
Future vision for a modern and innovate aviation sector.
This consultation forms part of a government-wide set of
pro-competition measures to boost the economy, attract investment
and create dynamic industries that work best for
the UK’s interests.
