Airlines, airports and slot coordinators have agreed on conditions to “ensure responsible use of the waiver” this winter.

They are now urging the European Commission to grant a full winter season slots waiver.

Rafael Schvartzman, Iata’s regional vice president for Europe, said: “Only a full-season slots waiver will ensure that the flying of empty planes is avoided and enable flights to be operated in the most sustainable way possible.

“Airlines and airports in Europe stand ready to apply the agreed conditions as soon as the full-season waiver is granted and call on the European Commission to endorse this agreement and authorise the waiver immediately.”

Thomas Reynaert, managing director of Airlines for Europe, added: “Restoring passenger confidence is a top priority for the entire aviation sector and indeed the European economy.

“Given the constantly changing government restrictions, it is vital that the upcoming winter schedules provide passengers with as much predictability as possible.”