Allocation process
The slot coordination process is clearly described in the IATA publication “Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG)”, which sets out the successive stages and the procedures to be followed when allocating slots at coordinated airports.
Communication between airlines and coordinators takes place electronically using the message format defined by IATA in the Standard Schedules Information Manual (SSIM).
For a given IATA season, initial allocation is based on the priority rules defined by IATA (WASG) and Circular No. 175 of 15 January 2026.
- 1
Historic slots
Priority is given to historic slots.
- 2
Historic slot changes
Changes requested by airlines to their historic slots are handled at second priority, subject to the possibilities offered by the airport's declared capacity.
- 3
Slot pool
After historic slots are allocated and any carrier changes to their historics are accepted, a slot pool is formed. Slots available in the pool are allocated to the airlines that request them according to the priority criteria defined by Circular No. 175 of 15 January 2026.
- 4
New entrants
Only airlines can hold new-entrant status.
- 5
Annual operations
Requests to extend a period for year-round operations are given priority.