WWACG guidance material to address capacity issues at airports

28 June 2022: Following disruptions and delays experienced at large airports – AMS, FRA and LHR being the capacity critical airports to date – the WWACG (Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group) released guidance material in June that sets out recommended procedures for enacting capacity reductions and clarifies that flight cancellations to meet an airport’s reduced capacity should be granted JNUS at that airport. The co-ordinator at the other end of the route should also grant JNUS after verifying that the recommended procedures have been followed and that the cancellation is indeed in order to meet mandatory capacity reduction.

ERA has raised concerns with the European Commission (DG MOVE) and EUACA (European Airport Coordinators Association) with regards to the transparency and fairness of the criteria for such schedule reduction implementation, especially for smaller carriers. Airlines need clarity on how the cancelled or modified routes will be identified and be able to keep their rights for forthcoming seasons. They also need commitment from the airports that the operations will be smooth for the operators remaining in the most congested airports. Another big issue relates to EU261 impacts and we therefore need to push for timely and advance notice of any changes in capacity.

In parallel, DG MOVE asked the EU aviation associations to draft a joint document to identify and promote best practices that can help minimise airport delays this summer with a focus on immediate and short-term solutions to minimise the impact on consumers. This document should provide a good understanding of the situation and possible mitigation measures.