In essence, airport slots are planning tools for the rationing of capacity at airports where available capacity falls short of air travel demand. Since the availability of slots is directly... Show moreIn essence, airport slots are planning tools for the rationing of capacity at airports where available capacity falls short of air travel demand. Since the availability of slots is directly connected to the capacity of an airport at a particular date and time, a slot is by definition a scarce resource. The extent of. Slot scarcity depends on the congestion level of an airport. Excess demand for slots has substantial implications for airlines, coordinators and airports alike, as well as for society as a whole. This dissertation is designed to explore the compatibility of the global and specific legal regimes governing airport slot coordination with the particular socio-economic challenges that international organizations, governments and air transport industry stakeholders are experiencing today. A multitude of socio-economic objectives are identified, including but not limited to the environment in terms of noise and carbon reduction policies, growing airport access issues and general debates on airport functions to society. The number of so-called 'super-congested' airports in terms of the full slot capacity being historically 'occupied' by incumbent carriers are on the rise and are carefully studied from a policy and legal point of view. Show less
Travel by air for persons with disabilities (PWDs) can be challenging. Their problems range from physical barriers in airports and aircraft to inaccessible information, extra fees for services,... Show moreTravel by air for persons with disabilities (PWDs) can be challenging. Their problems range from physical barriers in airports and aircraft to inaccessible information, extra fees for services, insufficient compensation for their mobility aids and different rules and practices among air carriers. This study explores issues facing PWDs from a legal perspective. The aim of this study is to balance the rights of PWDs with the duties of States, airport operators and air carriers. In light of this, multilevel legislations - namely international, regional and national rules from human rights law and aviation law - are compared, contrasted and analyzed. The study is primarily focused on access to air travel and remedial measures, for their lack of equal access for PWDs and for discrimination on the basis of disability. Suggestions have been addressed to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to States. All parties should ensure that accessibility standards on air travel, and an interpretation of remedial measures, are consistently applied. Show less
