Airlines will be able to use just 70% of their slots to retain their rights to keep using them – carriers usually have to operate 80% of their slots under the “use it or lose it” rules, but this requirement has been waived during the pandemic.

The government said the move was being made to reduce the risk of airlines having to operate so-called empty “ghost” flights to maintain their rights to the slots.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps, said: “Today’s extension marks a step back towards normal rules, helping the sector to recover and grow as travel returns, while protecting it against any future uncertainty.”

The list of situations where airlines can claim justification for not using their slots is also being widened further for the summer 2022, which runs from the end of March to the end of October.

“As in the current winter season, this will cover situations where Covid-19-related restrictions at either end of a route result in severe reduction in demand; however for the summer 2022 season it will no longer be necessary for the airline to show that the measures were unforeseeable,” said the government in a statement.

This means airlines can justify not operating flights if a country requires hotel quarantine or closes hotels or restaurants, due to the coronavirus, and will not lose any rights to its slots.

Aviation minister Robert Courts added: “Since the onset of the pandemic we have provided relief from the slots usage rule to provide financial stability to the sector and prevent environmentally damaging ghost flights. 

“As demand for flights returns, it’s right we gradually move back to the previous rules while making sure we continue to provide the sector with the support it needs.”