Airports welcome EC guidance aimed at alleviating oil crisis impact on aviation sector

ACI EUROPE has welcomed new Guidance issued by the European Commission clarifying how EU airport slot usage rules should apply during the ongoing oil crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Guidance endorses recommendations from the European Airport Coordinators Association (EUACA), allowing airlines to derogate from the 80% airport slot usage requirement on a case-by-case basis when flight cancellations are directly caused by verified jet fuel shortages.

At the same time, the Commission confirmed that increased jet fuel prices alone should not qualify as Justified Non-Use of Slots (JNUS), a position strongly supported by ACI EUROPE.

A broader slot waiver would risk major disruption for airports and passengers, particularly given continued strong demand for air travel this Summer. Widespread waivers could lead to short-notice cancellations, operational instability and unused airport capacity, whilst shifting financial pressures onto airports and the wider tourism sector.

ACI EUROPE also welcomed confirmation that Public Service Obligation route contracts can be adjusted to reflect fuel-related pressures and that there are no regulatory obstacles to importing Jet A fuel into Europe.

Find out more in the Press Release below.

• PRESS RELEASE: Airports welcome EC guidance aimed at alleviating oil crisis on aviation sector