IATA cargo chief cites stakeholder influence favouring passenger airlines in slot coordination committees as key barrier to fair allocation
IATA is calling on airports to remove restrictions and give freighter aircraft the same access to slots as passenger aircraft.
Speaking at IATA’s annual media day, the airline association’s global head of cargo, Brendan Sullivan, highlighted the restrictions faced by freighter aircraft at some major airports.
Sullivan said that Bogotá (BOG) and Dubai (DXB) restrict cargo carriers to temporary ad hoc slots rather than granting historic allocations, while in China, cargo flights are confined to midnight to 6am operations.
In the UK, Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) also deny historic allocations to cargo flights, which limits operational flexibility.
Sullivan added: "Cargo operators may be limited to shorter parking durations than passenger flights—such as 10 hours versus 12 in Hong Kong—making scheduling more complex.
"Local regulations, committee voting procedures (which often favour passenger airlines), and additional operational barriers like curfews, separation windows, and even outright bans in cities such as Mexico City or Mumbai further hinder cargo access."
Sullivan said that stakeholder influence is arguably the main reason cargo is sidelined in slot allocation decisions, rather than a lack of awareness about its economic value or because of a lack of global guidelines.
"Passenger airlines, with their frequent schedules and greater visibility, can exert more sway in coordination committees," explained Sullivan. "Infrastructure limitations and local rules also play a role, creating a labyrinthine environment that cargo operators must navigate."
He urged airports to adhere to IATA's Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), which call for fair, non-discriminatory and transparent slot allocation, regardless of the type of operation being flown.
"Regulators, airport operators, and slot coordinators should review and align local rules with WASG principles. Ring-fencing slots for cargo is not the solution — it can lead to inefficiencies and unintended consequences," he said. "The focus should be on maximising airport capacity for all users."
Looking ahead, Sullivan said the importance of air cargo will grow as global commerce evolves and demand for rapid delivery intensifies.
"Ensuring that cargo operators have fair access to airport slots is not just about economic efficiency; it’s about meeting the needs of a changing world," he said.
