By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – Europe’s “use it or lose” airport slot rule did not cause problems for airlines in the COVID-19 pandemic. There is also no evidence that carriers are operating ghost flights due to the rule, a top official at the European Commission said Thursday.

We consider it unnecessary. The official stated that there was no proof from Lufthansa of any empty flights.

The official stated that travel has not been restricted. According to the official, net bookings remain stable.

Reporters were told by Stefan De Keersmaecker, spokesperson for the Commission. “Eurocontrol air traffic in this winter scheduling season has been between 73-78% and 2022,” he said.

Following a row between Ryanair, Lufthansa, and the EU executive over the rule on the day, the Commission relaxed it to enable major carriers to keep airport access in crisis.

The move was criticized by budget rivals who are keen to increase capacity at once-congested airports.

Carsten Spohr (CEO Lufthansa) told a newspaper last week that Lufthansa had to continue operating tens-of-thousands more winter flights to conform to the slot rule. The result was surplus emissions.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary attacked Lufthansa Wednesday, declaring that the airline was hindering their rivals.

The EU states that airlines won’t have to use more than 50% of the slot rights they own for this winter season. For the summer season, this figure will increase to 64% from March to Oct.