The United Kingdom government has offered airlines a "slot amnesty", allowing them to voluntarily return slots for the Summer 2022 season without prejudicing their future allotments.
The decision comes in response to the chaos currently affecting the European aviation industry, as airlines, airports, and other firms struggle with staff shortages and strikes in light of the rapidly rebounding demand for leisure flights. Carriers, including the UK's easyJet (London Luton), have been forced to cancel thousands of flights this summer, while passengers have had to contend with lengthy queues and congested airports.
"The British people have made huge sacrifices over the pandemic, and, for many, this will be well-deserved time away that they haven't had in years. That's why it's crucial they don't face disappointing last-minute cancellations and chaos at airports when the system can't deliver. And I will do everything in my power to stop that. Today's announcement aims to help airlines provide certainty to passengers and ensure the next few months are as smooth as possible," Transport Minister Grant Shapps said.
The airlines have until Friday, July 8, to voluntarily return their slots. Normally, airport slots are subject to an 80% usage requirement (currently lowered to 70% as a result of a COVID waiver) under the "use-it-or-lose-it" scheme. This incentivises airlines to retain flights in the schedule and use the slots, even if they or the airports have no capacity to actually operate the service. Under the slot amnesty, they can more realistically align their schedules without the fear of losing their coveted slots.
The government expects this will allow carriers to cancel the flights well ahead of their departure date, thus making it easier for both the industry and passengers to make alternative plans.
Shapps said the government is also in dialogue with the airports, airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authority to address the crisis. Downing Street has urged airlines to review their summer schedules to make them "deliverable" while also respecting passengers' rights. Shapps outlined 22 measures taken by the government - most of them are soft and advisory - which has also pledged up to GBP161 million pounds (USD192 million) in support for training new ground operations staff at airports.
