International Air Transport Association Says Auction Of Take-off, Landing Slots In New York Airports Illegal

New York, NY (AHN) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that the Bush administration's plan to auction take-off and landing slots at airports in New York is illegal and "incredibly disappointing".

"As slots at JFK and other New York airports have never been previously auctioned, there is no clear guess as to the price airlines will pay for the rights. But whatever these fees are, they will be passed on directly to customers," the IATA added as cited by The National, a United Arab Emirates-based paper.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the Federal Aviation Administration's planned sale of 10 percent of the airport slots is seen to relieve congestion and promote more competitive ticket prices among airlines.

The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, the agency responsible for New York's airports, opposes the plan saying it would raise airfares, reduce choices for passengers and provide no relief from delays or congestion. It also said the plan will force at least 25 small airlines to pull out of New York.

The port authority has sought a federal injunction to block the auction.