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The Federal Aviation Administration told airlines yesterday it is going ahead with the plan, despite opposition.

The agency's website says a list of slots up for bidding at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty Airports will be posted December 29, with three internet auctions scheduled for January 12.

Airlines have argued the auction could lead to cancellations and further devastate an industry already hurting from declining demand.

An FAA spokeswoman says the agency understands the plan is controversial but that it is trying to address congestion in crowded markets.

Port Authority officials said in a statement, "[President George Bush's administration] should shelve this 11th-hour-and-59th-minute scheme that will increase ticket prices and cut choices for customers while doing nothing to alleviate delays. They should allow [President-elect Barack Obama's] administration and local airports to develop real long-term solutions for improving air travel."

The government says two out of three flights' delays of at least 15 minutes duration anywhere in the country can be traced to backups beginning at one of our three local airports.