Member

While these changes aim to increase resilience in the aviation sector and foster competition, they also raise several concerns regarding their long-term impact. The changes to the new entrant definition are likely to allow a greater number of airlines to access slots at congested airports. However, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to an increase in competition or simply allow larger airlines to take advantage of the rule changes to expand their operations at these airports, thereby maintaining or even strengthening their market dominance, rather than creating more opportunities for smaller carriers. As the noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon, asked, what safeguards will be in place to ensure that new entrants, rather than established players, are gaining access to these valuable slots?