The British government has announced that airport slots usage rules for summer 2023 will return to the 2019 or pre-pandemic 80:20 ratio.
The change means airlines will need to use their take-off slots 80% of the time if they are to keep them and means the room to manoeuvre during the 2020-2023 period of off-on lockdowns and border curbs will for the most part not be retained.
The Department of Transport said there will be "some flexibility" for carriers who struggle to use up their slots, including a what officials said was a "Justified Non-Use provision" aimed at preventing so-called ghost flights
The revival of the 80:20 rule is to kick in on March 26, the department announced, touting the measure as a "vote of confidence in the aviation industry".
The statement came just days after carrier Flybe collapsed for the second time in three years, with some blaming the government for not doing enough to shore up the UK's domestic aviation. But at the same time, carriers easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Airlines, which have substantial operations in the UK, all announced positive outlooks for 2023 in recent days.
"The government remains focused on reducing disruption and ensuring a positive passenger experience for those taking a well-earned break this summer. As part of that, airlines will be able to hand back up to 5% of their slots before the start of the season, to help plan realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations," the department statement explained, ahead of transport minister Mark Harper going into more detail in a speech to be given at the Airport Operators’ Association’s (AOA) annual conference on January 31.