The European Commission's guidance issued today provides a degree of certainty by clarifying existing rules. In these exceptional times, however, business-as-usual is simply not an option.
The Commission and Member States must go further than just clarifying and act swiftly to temporarily adjust EU aviation rules – rules which can be reinstated as soon as the crisis has been resolved.
Rapid action and temporary flexibility now will help airlines make the best use of the available jet fuel, rather than pushing paper between administrations.
In this backdrop, the clarification from EASA that JetA can be used safely is a welcome move to alleviate uncertainty and will ease pressure on the system.
The confirmation that jet fuel shortages qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” under EU passenger rights rules creates legal certainty for passengers, enforcement bodies and airlines.
Europe cannot afford to be rigid in the middle of an unprecedented fuel crisis during peak travel season for passengers.
