IATA has called on governments to suspend the 80/20 airport slot rule for airlines during the Middle East crisis, reported London's Air Cargo News.

Airlines normally retain slots if they use them 80 percent of the time. IATA Senior Vice President Nick Careen stated that governments should apply the Justified Non-Use of Slots (JNUS) exemption, freezing the calculation until operations normalize.

Careen noted that closed airspace, reduced airport operations, rerouting around conflict zones, and fuel shortages have made it impossible for carriers to maintain schedules. Even if the war ended immediately, he said, recovery would take months as aircraft and crews reposition and fuel supplies stabilize.

IATA wants JNUS applied on a rolling six-week basis to provide airlines with certainty that their networks and investments are not jeopardized. Careen emphasized that this measure would prevent unnecessary flying, save fuel, protect slot rights, and allow for faster restoration of connectivity once conditions improve.

Airports Council International Europe has warned that without a stable reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within three weeks, the EU faces systemic jet fuel shortages. It urged coordinated monitoring, alternative imports, and joint procurement.

Airlines for Europe has also called for temporary EU measures to assist carriers in managing the impact of the crisis. Careen stated that JNUS is a critical lifeline to protect connectivity until airlines can return to normal flying.