The US government is poised to announce the auctioning of existing slots at New York’s JFK and Newark airports in an effort to cut congestion, risking fury among airlines.
Washington appears certain to restrict the number of flights in and out of the city, which is plagued by delays because of its overcrowded skies.
The US Department of Transportation is expected to unveil the plans this week. However, it is believed a suggested increase in charges for flying into and out of New York at peak times has been dropped.
Reports in the US suggest some airlines could see slots confiscated and put up for auction. Other services could be cancelled all together.
European Commission vice-president Jacques Barrot has written to US transport secretary Mary Peters warning that any restriction on existing access to European carriers would threaten the EU-US air deal agreed this year that will open Heathrow to US airlines next March.