Usually, airlines are required to use 80% of their airport slots to keep them for the next flying season. The pandemic's onset saw a rapid decline in the demand for flights, which resulted in airlines flying empty planes or so-called 'ghost flights' to maintain their airport slots. The EU already introduced relief measures to combat this last year, and after a reassessment, the European Parliament voted to extend airport slot relief measures until 2022.

Ciarán Cuffe Green MEP for Dublin said: "This legislation which provides relief for airlines and prevents ghost flights is very welcome. While these measures are temporary, it will help airlines and airports better plan and reduce harmful fuel emissions contributing to the climate crisis".

"However, the existence of 'ghost flights' raises an important issue. Covid-19 has badly hit all forms of transport, but only aviation is given tax benefits in the form of an exemption on the fuel it uses. The fact that it is cheaper to fly ghost flights in the first place rather than cancel them, despite the damaging impact aviation emissions have on the environment, shows that we urgently need to redesign the transport system to save our climate. We need a level playing field when it comes to taxation in transport".

Mr Cuffe went on to say: "The Covid crisis has had an impact on us all. It has rocked every single sector. If we are to build back better, we all have to play a part and ensure a green and fair recovery".

ENDS.