Airports play a central role in connecting the European Union with the rest of the world. The European airport community is a key enabler of economic and social growth, resilience, security and Europe’s global competitiveness.
While major EU airport hubs are a gateway for passengers and goods to travel in Europe and beyond, other airports also provide vital direct connectivity across the EU. Regional airports are particularly essential for connecting the regions of Europe and for their economic development – thereby maintaining the Union’s territorial and social cohesion.
The availability of competitive airport services, including runways, passenger terminals and ground handling services, is critical for the continued success of the EU’s aviation sector. The EU regulatory framework on airports consists of rules on the allocation of slots, groundhandling services and on airport charges.
While emissions in the aviation sector stem largely from fuels used by aircraft, airports play a central part in the efforts to more sustainable aviation. The European Green Deal embraces this vision of EU airports being enablers of decarbonisation of the industry. The EU recognises the investment needs associated with this green transition and puts in place several support mechanisms.
The European Commission is carrying out a fitness check of EU airport legislation to determine if it is still fit for purpose and delivering on its objectives. This fitness check will consider recent trends such as market consolidation, capacity challenges, labour shortages, increased competition from non-EU airlines/airports, and the need to decarbonise. It will also assess the potential for simplification and burden reduction, especially should any inconsistencies or synergies be identified.