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U.S. NEWS Thursday 12 March 2020

FAA waives rules that led airlines to fly empty planes

By DAVID KOENIG 80% of their highly coveted where the agency ap-
AP Airlines Writer slots or risk forfeiting them. proves schedules: Chica-
Federal regulators waived That FAA requirement — go's O'Hare International
a rule Wednesday that was and especially a similar rule Airport, Newark Liberty In-
causing airlines to fly nearly in Europe — led airlines to ternational Airport in New
empty planes just to avoid operate flights using those Jersey; Los Angeles Interna-
losing takeoff and landing slots even if there were very tional Airport and San Fran-
rights at major airports. few passengers. cisco International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Ad- The FAA's decision affects The FAA waiver covers U.S.
ministration said it would flights at John F. Kennedy and foreign airlines. The
suspend the rule through and LaGuardia airports agency's announcement
May 31 to help airlines that in New York and Reagan came a day after the Eu- In this Jan. 10, 2020 file photo, a commercial plane flies into a
are canceling flights be- Washington National Air- ropean Commission prom- windy, cloudy sky at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
cause of the new virus out- port outside Washington, ised to move quickly to Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
break. D.C. waive its similar rule. Associated Press
The FAA assigns takeoff The FAA said it also would It could take weeks or even have immediate effect. It is dent that the emergency
and landing rights, or "slots," not punish airlines that months for the European a signal to airlines that they rules change will be ap-
at a few big, congested cancel flights through May Commission to adopt the can stop flying mostly emp- proved before airport slots
airports. Airlines must use 31 at four other airports proposal, but it is likely to ty planes and still be confi- are allotted again.q