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21 February, 2024

Sydney Airport to crack down on slot hoarding through Government reform

Sydney Australia May 19, 2014 passenger aircraft Boeing 747-400 in Qantas colour scheme getting towed to the Qantas Maintenance hangar at Sydney Kingsford Smith airport with the city Skyline in the background, also visible some cargo Commercial Airplanes

The Federal Government has announced reforms for Sydney Airport’s demand management scheme to provide transparency around how landing slots are allocated and used by airlines, including reasons for cancellations and delays.

The change will boost efficiency and competition at the airport, Sydney Airport claims.

The reforms followed an expert report and industry consultation overseen by former Productivity Commission Chair Peter Harris AO, and represent the first enhancements in 27 years to the rules that govern how Sydney Airport operates.

Passengers will benefit from the implementation of a ‘recovery period’ following weather disruptions and continued connectivity for regional communities.

The recovery period will temporarily allow up to 85 movements an hour for two hours (an increase from the usual 80) following weather disruptions to permit delayed services to depart on the same day, meaning fewer overnight stays and less cancellations.

Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport’s CEO, said this reform was particularly important in instances of weather disruptions.

“Every year we have examples of where a two-hour weather disruption leads to dozens if not hundreds of domestic cancellations, and the impacts are still being felt days later,” Charlton said.

“For example, on the first Friday of the July school holidays last year, we had 150 weather-related cancellations, with a further 40 on each of Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Most of the cancellations across the weekend and into Monday were a consequence of Friday’s disruption as the flight cap worked against airlines recovering their schedules.

“On Monday this week we had storm activity for around 45 minutes which led to 50 domestic services being cancelled.

“In the future, with a recovery mechanism hopefully it won’t be necessary for the airlines to cancel these flights, which is a great outcome for passengers and a great outcome for the efficiency and resilience of Sydney Airport overall.

“We also recognise the importance of regional communities’ access to Sydney Airport, which will be preserved through these changes.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Government to implement these reforms and realise their benefits as quickly as possible.”

(Featured Image: Sydney airport – iStock/Boeing746)

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