ACI World Calls for Modernisation of Airport Slot Allocation System
Airports Council International (ACI) World released a white paper calling for modernisation of the global airport slot allocation system. The association says the current regulatory framework, designed more than 50 years ago, has not kept pace with aviation growth: the number of the world's most congested, slot-restricted airports rose by over 25% in the last decade, and global passenger traffic is projected to nearly double by the mid-2040s. ACI World urges regulators to engage with the industry to improve transparency and adaptability in slot allocation, with the aim of improving competition, fares and connectivity.
Impact and considerations
Slot allocation rules directly shape airlines' route and frequency access, which in turn affects corporate travel route options, fare levels and network connectivity. If the regulatory framework changes, competitive dynamics and capacity deployment at hub airports could shift.
Key points
- ACI World released the white paper 'Airport Slot Policy – Rethinking Airport Access in a Capacity-Constrained World', calling for reform of the global airport slot allocation system.
- The foundational slot allocation framework was designed more than 50 years ago and, according to ACI World, has not kept pace with aviation's growth and transformation.
- The number of the world's most congested, slot-restricted airports rose by over 25% in the last decade; global passenger traffic is projected to nearly double by the mid-2040s.
- Fewer than 10% of the world's airports handle nearly two-thirds of all passengers; 85.5% of the busiest airports, serving more than 40 million passengers a year, already operate at or near full capacity.
- At the 50 most congested airports, the four largest airlines account for 67% of flights; historic access rights accumulate over time and are rarely released.
- ACI World urges regulators to work with the industry on reform and calls on airline representatives and legacy industry bodies to join efforts to improve transparency and adaptability in slot allocation.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Airports Council International World
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 15 Sept 2026, 12:03
- Page published
- 15 Sept 2026, 12:13
- Last updated
- 15 Sept 2026, 12:03
- Original links
- ACI World RSS：Airports Council International World Calls for Modernisation of Outdated Airport Slot System Stifling Competition and Costing Passengers (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 15 Sept 2026, 12:03