EU Parliament Introduces New Pandemic Aid Measures for the Aviation Sector
According to the recent statement starting from October 30, 2022, airlines will have to use 75 per cent of the scheduled take-off and landing slots, compared to the 80 per cent required during the pandemic, AtoZSerwisPlus.comreports.
The EU Parliament has also revealed that the standard requirement of 80 per cent slot utilization in the next summer season will be implemented.
“Parliament also approved further exceptions to justify not using the slots, such as epidemiological emergencies, natural disasters, or widespread political unrest with a disruptive effect on air travel,” the statement reads.
In addition, Parliament approved other exceptions to justify the non-use of electronic games, including epidemiological emergencies, natural disasters or widespread political unrest with a devastating effect on air travel.
“In addition, the new rules allow for air connectivity to be restored between the EU and Ukraine when the time comes. For example, there would be a 16-week recovery period before slot-use requirements become applicable again once Ukrainian airspace reopens,” the statement explains.
In this regard, the MEPs decided on these relief measures for two planning seasons, starting from October 30 of this year to October 28, 2023.
According to EP rapporteur Dominique Riquet (Rinew, FR), taking into account that the EU Parliament protects the optimal use of existing infrastructure, connectivity, fluidity of transport and citizens’ access to competitive offers, today’s approval is a gradual return to the rules operating standards of airport slots while maintaining flexibility in a market that remains uncertain due to the recent problems of the war in Ukraine and the epidemiological situation.
He also emphasized that regarding the return to a higher rate of slot utilization, it was an important need to guarantee the normal operation of the air sector, which was allowed by encouraging traffic forecasts for the upcoming winter season.
Moreover, the Parliament approved the new rules with 457 votes against them and three abstentions. Therefore, after the MEPs have given the green light, the Council must also approve the rules so that they enter into force after publication in the Official Gazette of the EU.
Eurocontrol data also revealed that forecast air traffic levels would reach between 83 per cent and 95 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels in October 2022.
