Europe's busiest airports could fly 28 million more customers
31st May 2011
European airports could ease congestion and accommodate 28 million more customers without expanding, a new study has found
The report, ordered by the European commission, has found that better organisation and coordination of take-off and landing slots could alleviate congestion.
An estimated £4.6 million could be generated by 2025, by improved use and planning of slots alone, according to the report.
There are currently 26,000 flights using European airspace daily; this figure is estimated to grow by 5% a year.
Flight demand has seen capacity exceeded for most or all of the day at six European airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Paris Orly.
Heathrow faces worsening 'capacity constraints' as, unlike many other European airports mentioned in the study, it is not planning to extend to ease congestion.
The study, drawn up by an independent transport planning consultancy, says that although improved allocation of landing slots will not extend capacity, it will maximise the use of the limited capacity available.
The report has also found that the organisation of landing slots not only causes severe congestion but hinders competition between airlines.
Due to most airports granting preference to traditional, existing airlines, it is difficult for prospective new entrants to break into the heavily congested airports.
Slot turn over is low as established airlines have little incentive to give them up, regardless of whether other carriers could use them more effectively.
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