India Seeks Equal Access to Slots at European Airports, Citing Discriminatory Practices

India is pushing ICAO to regulate airport slot allocation practices in Europe, which it claims are discriminatory against airlines from developing countries. The current system of grandfather rights and additional measures like night curfew restricts market access and denies equal opportunity for Indian airlines to expand into large European markets. India seeks equitable access to slots at congested airports like London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Paris.

India is urging the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to address slot allocation disparities at major European airports, arguing that current practices disadvantage airlines from developing nations. The issue will be discussed at ICAO's upcoming assembly in Montreal, with Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India seeking to expand internationally [1].

The current system of slot allocation, which includes grandfather rights and additional measures like night curfews, restricts market access and denies equal opportunity for airlines from developing countries like India to expand in large European markets [1]. This is particularly evident at congested airports like London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Paris, where slots are allocated twice a year based on usage guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) [1].

Indian authorities claim that while developing economies are investing heavily in airport infrastructure, creating opportunities for all carriers, developed economies are actively reducing existing capacity, creating an unequal playing field that favors legacy carriers from developed nations [1]. For instance, despite comprehensive bilateral agreements, Indian carriers' access has been reduced to secondary airports in London, while UK carriers maintain access to Heathrow [1].

At London Heathrow, a new agreement in 2023 allowed airlines from both countries to increase flights from 56 to 70 per week, but Air India operates 31 weekly flights and is forced to expand at Gatwick, while IndiGo is likely to lease a slot from a UK-based airline at a premium price [1]. The agency that allocates slots at Heathrow, Airports Coordination Limited, stated that since the airport has reached its full capacity, airlines will have to wait for another to lose their historic rights or to purchase and lease slots [1].

Indian airline executives have called for action against carriers from such countries, advocating for a level playing field between Indian and foreign carriers [1]. The government's decision to raise this at an international level comes as Indian carriers chart aggressive expansion plans for overseas forays.

India's push for fair slot allocation aims to preserve the integrity of the international civil aviation system and ensure that all states can realize the benefits of their participation in international air services. The upcoming ICAO assembly in Montreal will be crucial in addressing these concerns and setting new regulations for equitable access to slots at key European airports.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/india-pushes-un-body-for-level-playing-field-at-european-airports/articleshow/123192747.cms