Allocation of slots at Community airports

The European Parliament adopted by 686 votes to 0, with  2 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports.

The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure. As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act.

In view of the drop in the number of flights caused by the coronavirus epidemic, the Regulation provides for the temporary suspension of the rules governing the allocation of take-off and landing slots to airlines in order to avoid aircraft flying half-empty during the pandemic.

The principle of the mandatory use by airlines of their take-off and landing slots for fear of permanent loss (use-it-or-lose-it rule) shall thus be lifted for the period from 1 March 2020 to 24 October 2020. The derogation shall also apply retroactively from 23 January to 29 February 2020 for flights between the EU and China or Hong Kong.

The Commission may extend the period during which the measures apply, if necessary by means of delegated acts. It shall base these decisions on the most recent available information published by Eurocontrol and relevant scientific advice.