The EU Commission wants to bring back the slot rules, which have largely been suspended since the beginning of the corona pandemic, in the 2022/23 winter flight schedule. The so-called 80/20 rule should then apply again.

In concrete terms, this means that at least 80 percent of the take-off and landing rights must be used in order to prevent the loss. The regulations were suspended during the pandemic and relaxed to 50 percent in the previous winter period. Now the EU Commission wants to return to normal competition rules.

However, not all airlines are happy with the decision. While low costers are really partying, classic network carriers are rather skeptical. The background is that due to the high fuel prices, sharply increased everyday costs and possible new corona measures, a sharp drop in demand is expected. The industry association IATA has now positioned itself clearly against the comeback of the 80/20 rule.

However, the EU Commission is of the opinion that the enormously high summer demand can be carried over into the winter, at least in part, so that there are no problems in complying with the regulations. They definitely want to go back to the rules that were in place before the pandemic.

However, one wants to give airlines the possibility that they can keep the take-off and landing rights even if less than 80 percent of the slots can be used with a justified application. The regulators should be given the opportunity to grant exceptional permits. However, this is subject to strict conditions, which may be new travel restrictions due to Corona, for example. Natural disasters and political unrest can also be valid reasons. The EU Commission wants to monitor the granting of special permits, as there are fears that abuse could otherwise occur.