Big EU airlines could be forced to give up five per cent of their take-off and landing rights each year at the EU's busiest airports so that they can be given to new entrants, under plans from Mr Mario Monti, the EU's Competition Commissioner. The move is part of a big shake-up in the award of highly lucrative timed slots for take-off and landing at Europe's congested airports.

The plans, which will be tabled for approval at a Commission meeting on September 6th, are likely to be highly controversial with the big carriers which have built up large portfolios of slots at Europe's busy airports.