WASHINGTON — Federal officials are pushing ahead with an experiment to reduce flight delays across the nation by auctioning off takeoff and landing times at New York-area airports, where two-thirds of delays begin.
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced final rules Thursday to begin auctioning slots at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark-Liberty airports. Auction winners will be announced Jan. 12, about a week before President Bush leaves office.
“Without slot auctions, a small number of airlines will profit while travelers bear the brunt of higher fares, fewer choices and deteriorating service,” Peters said.
The Air Transport Association, which represents commercial air carriers, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airports, are attempting to stop the plan.
