Airports & infrastructure

Airport charges are fees that are ultimately paid by travellers for the use of airport facilities and services.

At several European airports, charges have risen sharply, often without sufficient transparency or consultation with passengers and airlines. This is particularly concerning given that many large airports operate as natural monopolies, leaving passengers with no alternative and allowing costs to rise substantially unchecked.

A4E advocates for robust and independent economic regulation at large airports — with clearer powers for national supervisory authorities, standardised consultation procedures, and transparent investment planning. Better oversight of airport investments ensures money is spent where it matters: more capacity for more flights and better connections, higher quality service and greater punctuality.

On airport slots, A4E supports maintaining the current EU slot regulation, which has proven effective over time in encouraging efficient use of airport capacity while providing stability for airlines and passengers alike.

A4E also monitors the roll-out of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), advocating for an implementation that reflects the operational realities of border control capacity and passenger flows, particularly during peak travel seasons.