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hatrack

(59,439 posts)
Mon Mar 9, 2020, 07:55 AM Mar 2020

British Airlines Flying Empty "Ghost Flights" To Keep Landing Slots At EU Airports

British airlines are being forced to operate empty “ghost” flights during the coronavirus outbreak or risk losing airport landing slots, The Times has learnt.

Carriers are flying some jets without any passengers at all because of controversial “use it or lose it” rules governing space at European airports.

Last night Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, wrote to the independent airport slot co-ordinator urging it to relax the existing regulations because of concerns over the environmental impact of empty flights.

This week Airlines UK, which represents carriers, wrote to Mr. Shapps, urging him to intervene. It wants the rule to be shelved, when it is hoped that the slump in passenger numbers driven by the coronavirus will be over.

EDIT

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/airlines-are-flying-empty-planes-to-keep-slots-during-the-coronavirus-crisis-c8w33vzqg?wgu=270525_54264_15835463319188_d63982c966&wgexpiry=1591322331&utm_source=planit&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=22278

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British Airlines Flying Empty "Ghost Flights" To Keep Landing Slots At EU Airports (Original Post) hatrack Mar 2020 OP
Is it strictly necessary to fly those planes? IndyOp Mar 2020 #1

IndyOp

(15,501 posts)
1. Is it strictly necessary to fly those planes?
Mon Mar 9, 2020, 08:53 AM
Mar 2020

If the world is slowing down, maybe we could slow down with the carbon emissions.

...and yes I know there are MUCH better ways to do so. I just HATE waste. And we have to cut down on plane flights!!

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