The transport secretary wants the rules on airport space to be eased because of concerns for the climate

British airlines are being forced to operate empty “ghost” flights during the coronavirus outbreak or risk losing airport landing slots, The Times has learnt.

Carriers are flying some jets without any passengers at all because of controversial “use it or lose it” rules governing space at European airports.

Last night Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, wrote to the independent airport slot co-ordinator urging it to relax the existing regulations because of concerns over the environmental impact of empty flights.

This week Airlines UK, which represents carriers, wrote to Mr Shapps urging him to intervene. It wants the rule to be shelved until at least the autumn, when it is hoped that the slump in passenger numbers driven by coronavirus will be over.

Operating empty flights