Study calls for 'more efficient' use of airport slots

European transport commissioner Siim Kallas says an extra 28 million passengers a year could use European airports if slots were allocated to airlines more efficiently.

The Estonian official was presenting the findings of a study that says €5bn in economic benefits could be gained by reviewing European rules on landing and takeoff slots.

The study highlights several problems with the current slot allocation system.

Its authors say the changes they propose could make a contribution to resolving the capacity problems at a number of important EU airports.

The study says the slot allocation system could be improved by "strengthened independence and transparency" of slot coordinators and by ensuring "correct use" of slots.

Currently, there are 26,000 flights in Europe's sky every day, but, with growth estimated at five per cent annually, Kallas said airport capacity is reaching "saturation".

He said, "We have been concerned that the current system of allocating takeoff and landing slots at airports is inefficient, giving rise to delays and congestion.

"This has now been confirmed by this report, showing that up to 28 million more passengers could travel each year through Europe's airports."

The commission is drafting a package on airports, including slots.

"I intend to bring forward legislation this autumn to tackle this issue," said Kallas.