Airports
Dusseldorf imposes new slot fee
Germany’s Dusseldorf Airport is to introduce a new E160 ($176) “slot allocation charge” for each takeoff and landing, which operators have to pay even if t

Germany’s Dusseldorf Airport is to introduce a new E160 ($176) “slot allocation charge” for each takeoff and landing, which operators have to pay even if they cannot use the slot in question. ERA is protesting the move on the grounds that such a charge contravenes existing EC legislation and ICAO recommendations.

Under current EC slot rules, carriers must use their slots to retain their grandfather rights. ERA argues that it is not practical for operators to use all their slots all the time and that, therefore, some will end up having to pay for unused slots under the new Dusseldorf system.