The EU has started a new consultation into the “fitness” of current rules governing airports across the 27 member countries, which impact the price of flights paid by passengers.
The European Commission wants feedback on the existing regulations and directives covering airport charges, slot distribution and ground handling services.
The commission wants to assess whether these rules “remain effective” and how they impact the prices charged by airlines to passengers, as well as looking at flight connections and baggage handling services.
“With market conditions changing, and with environmental priorities in mind, it is important to ensure the rules remain relevant and impactful,” said the commission in a statement.
“The consultation considers recent trends such as market consolidation, airport capacity challenges, labour shortages, increased competition from non-EU airlines and airports, and the need for decarbonisation.
“The feedback received will also help the commission identify opportunities for simplification and reduce administrative burdens.”
The consultation is open until 28 October 2025 and is available through the EU’s Have your Say portal.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU’s commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, added: “Aviation plays a pivotal role in increasing mobility, driving economic growth, creating jobs and facilitating trade – all to the benefit of EU citizens. It is also crucial for maintaining connectivity across the European Union’s regions.
“I invite all interested citizens and organisations to share their perspectives on our current airport legislation. We must cultivate a resilient, competitive and sustainable aviation sector that ensures affordable connectivity.”