ACI EUROPE continues close collaboration with European Commission; meeting with Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

This April, the ACI EUROPE Executive Committee met with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, for a fruitful discussion on aviation’s contribution to Europe’s economy, competitiveness and territorial cohesion.

ACI EUROPE, advocating on behalf of Europe’s airports, underlined the essential role of airports in connecting Europe: and how that connectivity underpins both economic performance – with air connectivity powering 14 million jobs and 5% of GDP – and the continent’s status as a global tourism leader. 

Connectivity, resilience, and investment capacity were key themes, with a strong shared understanding of the need to preserve and enhance air links to safeguard competitiveness and cohesion across the continent. The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to supporting aviation and confirmed that the forthcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) will provide much-needed incentives to complement the regulatory requirements of the Fit for 55 package, particularly in accelerating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and reducing its cost.

The Commissioner acknowledged regulatory hurdles and the importance of a collaborative approach regarding biometric technologies and the advancement of aviation security, and noted them as priorities for action. The Commissioner expressed clear appreciation for the efforts of airports in delivering high standards of safety and passenger experience, and notably praised the European airport business model, which is largely underpinned by private investment.

Looking ahead, ACI EUROPE will continue to closely cooperate with Commissioner Tzitzikostas, DG MOVE, and European institutions to strengthen air connectivity in support of Europe’s economic, cultural, and social needs. The Commissioner will also join the ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly in Athens on 18–20 June 2025 and provide a keynote address.

Register for the ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly here.