ACI EUROPE criticises UK airport slot waiver extension for 2026–27

ACI EUROPE has strongly criticised the UK Government’s decision to introduce airport slot usage relief for the Summer and Winter 2026 scheduling seasons, arguing that the measure is unjustified given the absence of any proven jet fuel shortage and continued strong passenger demand.

Under normal slot rules, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated airport slots or risk losing them. The UK Government decided to ease these requirements, citing operational challenges linked to fuel supply concerns. However, ACI EUROPE said there is currently no evidence of significant fuel shortages either in the UK or elsewhere in Europe.

The airport association argued that existing “Justified Non-Use of Slots” (JNUS) provisions already allow airlines to retain slots when verified fuel shortages directly cause cancellations. These rules are supported by the European Airport Coordinators Association and can be applied on a case-by-case basis.

ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec accused the UK Government of effectively giving airlines broad flexibility to cancel flights for commercial reasons while shifting the consequences onto passengers, airports and regional communities.

The organisation warned that regional airports could be particularly vulnerable, as airlines may choose to cut less profitable feeder services first. It also criticised the decision to extend the waiver through the Winter 2026 season until March 2027, calling it premature and driven more by administrative timing than operational necessity.

ACI EUROPE noted that the draft legislation would allow unused slots to be reallocated to other airlines, arguing this undermines the government’s justification because it demonstrates that there is still strong demand for airport capacity.