ExclusiveHong Kong aviation authorities relax slot rules so airlines no longer have to ‘use it or lose it’, paving way for further cuts in flight schedules until October
- Civil Aviation Department extends previous measures to take in summer season
- International Air Transport Association welcomes move it says will give airlines ‘greater flexibility’ in challenging times
Hong Kong authorities have given all airlines the go ahead to cut their flight schedules until the end of October by relaxing airport slot rules, the Post has learned.
There had been calls for a global relaxation of the “use it or lose it” policy for runway slots to prevent carriers from flying empty planes between destinations to maintain the rights.
But Hong Kong government officials had previously refused to allow flexibility for airlines to cut flights beyond the end of May, after offering initial relief in light of the coronavirus epidemic and anti-government protests.
However, after the Post asked questions on Monday about the Civil Aviation Department’s (CAD) unwillingness to help, it reversed its earlier opposition and confirmed extended relief would be offered, meaning airlines will not be penalised and can keep the right to operate the airport slots in future.
“Given the latest development of Covid-19, and in line with the recommendation made by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it has been decided that alleviation of slot usage requirement at Hong Kong International Airport will be effective for the whole of the Summer 2020 IATA Season,” a department spokeswoman said.