What is 'slot hoarding' - and is it locking out regional airlines like Rex?

Regional airline Rex Airlines has recently gone into voluntary administration, becoming the second Australian airline to do so this year. There are concerns that other airlines are strategically hoarding airport slots, limiting Rex's ability to fly between capital cities. The airline slot system, developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the 1970s, allocates specific time windows for aircraft takeoff and landing. Airlines must use 80% of their allocated slots or risk losing them, and slots can be bought, sold, or leased. Reforms to the slot system, such as increased transparency and independent audits, could make it more equitable for new entrants. [Extracted from the article]