The UK government is planning a potential shake-up to the way airport slots are allocated, which could lead to increased competition between carriers and lower airfares for passengers.

The Department for Transport (DFT) has launched a consultation to look at the slot allocation system at the UK’s busiest airports, including five London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stansted and Luton), plus Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

The government said that it was now able to reform the airport slot rules following the UK’s departure from the EU as it was “no longer shackled by an outdated slot regime”.

The consultation will look at options such as limiting the practice of slot leasing by larger airlines, which could see more “favourable” slots being instead allocated to newer and smaller carriers at UK airports. 

The DFT added that airports could operate “more effectively” as airlines would be required to use their slots rather than storing or leasing them.

The reforms will also aim to create “more powers to respond to crises, making the industry more resilient and efficient in times of uncertainty”.

Aviation minister Anthony Brown added: “This consultation will bring the sector to the forefront of decision-making, helping to end monopolies within the slot regime, drive healthy competition between airlines and make the aviation sector more dynamic for the future while also benefitting millions of passengers.”

The consultation on the reform of the slot allocation system at UK airports will be open until 9 February 2024

Karen Dee, CEO of the Airport Operators Association, added: “Slots reform is an opportunity to improve the efficiency of the UK aviation system and this consultation is a welcome step in that direction. We will be working constructively with government to ensure airports’ views are taken on board as these plans develop.”