The rules were relaxed during the pandemic when air travel was heavily depressed; however, from 26 March, usage rules will return to pre-pandemic levels after UK passenger numbers recovered to 85% of equivalent 2019 levels in October.
Transport secretary Mark Harper is due to formally announce the measures during a keynote speech at the Air Operators’ Association’s annual conference on Tuesday (31 January).
The 80:20 rule means airlines need to use their take-off slots at least 80% of the time in order to retain them. A "justified non-use provision" will be retained to prevent airlines flying ghost flights.
