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New York City's airport managers are blocking an attempt to auction off takeoff and landing slots, reports Associated Press.

Authorities at John F Kennedy, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports have said they will not accept any flights that are a result of such an auction, which the government has said could reduce delays.

After experiencing near-record delays last year, the Bush administration demanded that action be taken and an auction is transportation secretary Mary Peters' solution.

However, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the three airports, claim the plan will negatively impact travellers and warned they will bring legal action against the White House.

Department of Transportation lawyer D J Gribbin commented that it is "surprising" that the airports believe they have such legal authority to block flights.

'It's pretty clear the airports don't have the authority to just unilaterally decide they don't want certain carriers to serve their airports,' he said, adding that the law is on the government's side.

Around three-quarters of all air travel delays nationwide are a result of congestion in the US capital, according to the New York Times.

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