European aviation stakeholders warn that Europe’s regional airports face an existential threat from a Middle East war-driven energy crisis and ongoing structural market changes, compounded by insufficient EU and national policies. Jet fuel prices have surged to over $1,800 per ton, pushing airfares higher and forcing tighter capacity management, with airlines likely to cut routes serving smaller airports. Lufthansa’s decision to shut CityLine exemplifies these pressures. Olivier Jankovec of ACI Europe notes a two-speed regional airport market, where small regional hubs lag 30% behind 2019 traffic while larger ones rebound, underscoring the fragile outlook for regional connectivity. The rollout of Schengen EES is also lagging, risking operational disruption at popular destinations this summer. Despite inflation and seasonality, small airports still charge below pre-pandemic levels, losing about €2.64 per passenger, which fuels calls for targeted state aid and tax relief. ACI Europe argues for suspending national aviation taxes during the energy crisis, preserving operating aid for airports up to 1 million passengers, accelerating SAF deployment and AZEA’s roadmap for hybrid/electric/hydrogen aircraft, suspending Schengen EES if border delays spiral, and strengthening Open Skies. Andrea Andorno, Torino Airport CEO and chair of the ACI Europe Regional Airports Forum, stresses that regional airports handle around 35% of Europe’s air connectivity and must be supported by effective EU and national policies to sustain cohesion and tourism."
← Atlas › News