To ensure that the EU properly responds to the current situation in the field of air transport, Member States reached an agreement today regarding the waiver from slot-use requirements at EU airports. The deal foresees temporary measures in reaction mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath and to air travel impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The current situation in air transport is marked by a significant return of passenger demand in summer this year, as airports and airlines were not capable to completely reboot the capacity at the required speed. This upward trend is expected to continue, although it will stay below pre-covid level for the coming months and is very different from one market or region to another. Most recent statistics show air operations below the baseline forecast. As regards the upcoming winter season starting end of October, Member States agreed that a high degree of uncertainty due to inflation, energy crises, a possible return of COVID-19 waves and related measures, as well as the evolution of the war, must be taken into account.
“Air traffic is returning to the pre-pandemic volumes. This new regulation aims to ensure a gradual return to normality in line with this trend. It will provide more certainty to airports and air carriers, improve connectivity across Europe and will make air travelers’ lives easier.”
Jaroslav Zajíček, Czech Deputy Permanent Representative
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