Gatwick Airport has taken drastic action against the UK government, launching a high-stakes legal battle over its decision to relax rules governing airline runway slots. The move, which critics argue will stifle competition, comes as the Department for Transport (DfT) announced airlines would only need to use 70% of their allocated slots this winter season – rather than the standard 80% – to retain them.
The 'use it or lose it' rule, designed to prevent hoarding and ensure efficient use of infrastructure, has been lowered from 80% to 70%. Gatwick is adamant that this relaxation will harm its efforts to rebuild its route network and passenger numbers post-pandemic. The airport claims the move disproportionately benefits dominant carriers at hub airports, making it even harder for new airlines to secure access.
Gatwick's lawsuit centres on the assertion that the DfT's decision lacks sufficient justification and fails to consider the broader impact on airport operators and the competitive landscape of the aviation sector. The airport maintains that while flexibility during the pandemic was understandable, the current environment no longer warrants such extensive relaxation, particularly with passenger demand showing robust signs of recovery.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport stated: "The DfT's decision will undoubtedly harm our ability to recover from the pandemic and grow our route network. We cannot allow airlines to hoard slots without using them, stifling competition and limiting choices for passengers." They added that the legal action was a necessary step to protect the airport's interests.