Competitiveness

Passengers want and need to fly – but rising regulatory costs are not only risking the competitiveness of EU airlines but also the affordability of air travel for everyday Europeans and Europe’s attractiveness as a travel and business destination.

Competing non-European airlines and hubs outside Europe do not face the same obligations. Regulatory costs have tripled since 2014 to €15.5 billion a year and are projected to reach €27.6 billion by 2030. Without action, air travel will become increasingly out of reach for everyday Europeans, routes in Europe will be cut, and Europe’s connection to the world will be reduced.

Competitive European airlines will be essential to keeping air travel accessible and maintaining the connections that millions of Europeans rely on every year. EU and national policymakers need to make sure that rising costs and new rules don’t make it harder for airlines to operate in Europe, so people can continue to stay connected – and have an affordable place to fly from.