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Fitness Check of EU airports legislation

Transport

The Commission is carrying out a fitness check of airport legislation with the aim of determining if it is still fit for purpose and delivering on its objectives. It will consider recent trends such as market consolidation, capacity challenges, labour shortages, increased competition from non-EU airlines/airports and the need to decarbonise. The potential for simplification and burden reduction will also be assessed, notably should any inconsistencies or synergies be identified.

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Public consultation

ID: 14193

Lobbying Activity

29 responses

DHL Group urges EU airport rules to recognize logistics networks

DHL Group, 6 Jun 2024

DHL requests that the Commission acknowledge specific network requirements for integrators in slot allocation. They oppose introducing green slots and support keeping the 80/20 usage rule.
Recognizing network-level operations would prevent DHL from losing valuable slots due to technicalities.
Local residents could suffer if environmental charges aimed at reducing night noise are abolished.

Airlines for Europe urges reform to curb airport market power

Airlines for Europe, 6 Jun 2024

A4E requests reforming the Airport Charges Directive into a Regulation to tackle monopoly power. They advocate for a single till principle where non-aeronautical profits offset airport charges. They also seek to remove artificial barriers in the ground handling market.
These reforms would reduce airline costs by preventing airports from abusing their monopoly positions.
Larger airports would lose their ability to maintain high profits through market dominance.

Ryanair Urges Competition Reforms to Lower EU Airport Charges

Ryanair Holdings, 6 Jun 2024

The airline requests increasing slot usage thresholds and expanding the "new entrant" definition to facilitate expansion at major airports. They advocate for a "single till" principle to prevent overcharging by airports with significant market power. Additionally, they call for removing artificial barriers to entry for ground handling service providers.
These reforms would lower Ryanair's operating costs while enabling growth at major hubs.
Legacy carriers and dominant airports would lose their protected market positions and profits.

Lufthansa Group urges holistic competitiveness check of aviation rules

Lufthansa Group, 6 Jun 2024

Lufthansa Group requests a 'Competitiveness Check' to improve the global competitiveness of the sector. They advocate for effective regulation of airport monopolies and the liberalization of services in groundhandling.
Reasonable charges and effective regulation would reduce high costs for airline operations.
Large airports lose the ability to maintain monopolistic control and maximize their revenues.

ACI EUROPE Urges Regulatory Stability to Protect Airport Infrastructure Investment

Airports Council International - European Region, 5 Jun 2024

The organization demands that the Airport Charges Directive remain unchanged to ensure regulatory stability. They call for revised slot rules to prevent airlines from hoarding unused capacity. Finally, they want more power to enforce service standards on groundhandling companies.
This would protect their ability to generate revenue and fund multi-billion euro projects.
Incumbent airlines would lose their ability to limit competition by hoarding slots.

IATA calls for tougher EU regulations on airport monopolies

International Air Transport Association, 6 Jun 2024

The organization requests transforming current directives into regulations to better control airport monopolies. They also seek to align European slot allocation with updated global industry standards.
This would lower operating costs and improve service quality by restricting monopolistic airport behavior.
Airport operators would lose their ability to set prices and manage infrastructure services independently.

Air France-KLM calls for stricter oversight of airport charges

Air France-KLM, 6 Jun 2024

AFKL requests replacing the Airport Charges Directive with a binding EU Regulation. They advocate for a single till model and greater control over airport investments. The group opposes slot auctions and environmental modulation of airport fees.
Stricter rules would prevent airports from imposing excessive costs for unnecessary infrastructure projects.
Monopolistic airports lose the freedom to prioritize commercial profits over aeronautical service needs.

easyJet urges EU to curb airport market power

easyJet, 6 Jun 2024

easyJet urges reforming airport charge rules to stop airports misusing their market power. They want to modernize ground handling rules to allow more competition and self-handling. The airline also suggests allowing companies to trade flight slots for money.
These reforms would reduce fees paid to airports and lower easyJet’s operational costs.
Large airports lose their ability to set high prices and control ground services.

European Express Association Opposes Damaging Green Airport Slots

European Express Association, 6 Jun 2024

The association rejects linking slot allocation to environmental criteria and supports keeping the global 80/20 usage rule. They also demand full liberalisation of ground handling and more transparent, cost-related airport charges.
These measures would protect their operational flexibility and reduce the costs of essential airport services.
Airlines with smaller fleets may lose out if dominant airports continue to misuse their market power.

Airlines for America urges EU to curb excessive airport charges

Airlines for America, 6 Jun 2024

The organization requests amendments to eliminate excessive airport charges and increase competition in ground handling. They also advocate for aligning slot regulations with global standards to avoid operational disruptions.
The group seeks to reduce operating expenses and protect its members' investments at airports.
Large EU airports would face reduced profit margins and more competition for their services.

Regional airlines urge slot protection and airport fee transparency

European Regions Airline Association Ltd., 6 Jun 2024

The organization demands protected hub access for smaller aircraft to ensure connectivity. They oppose increasing slot usage rates and call for transparent airport charge regulations. Additionally, they request harmonized EU rules for ground handling to prevent market distortions.
These reforms would prevent discrimination against smaller aircraft and reduce operational fees.
Major hub airports and large airlines lose their current revenue-driven competitive advantages.

CLECAT calls for airport rules prioritizing air cargo needs

CLECAT - European association for forwarding, transport, logistic and Customs services, 6 Jun 2024

CLECAT recommends establishing specialized slot allocation mechanisms that reflect the specific needs of air cargo. They advocate for increased competition in groundhandling and the introduction of minimum service quality standards.
Open markets and better standards would reduce delays and improve service quality for forwarders.
Incumbent airlines and current groundhandling monopolies would face more competition for scarce airport resources.

Spanish airport operator Aena calls for urgent slot regulation reform

Aena, S.M.E. S.A., 6 Jun 2024

Aena requests regulatory stability for airport charges to deliver services and sustainability goals. It argues for amending slot regulations to address capacity scarcity and prevent misuse. The organization also suggests reviewing ground handling to address potential conflicts of interest.
Reforming slot rules would help Aena ensure its valuable infrastructure is used to its full capacity.
Airlines performing their own ground services could face restricted access through fewer self-handling licenses.

German airports urge slot reform while opposing stricter fee regulations

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Verkehrsflughäfen, 30 May 2024

ADV opposes tightening rules for airport charges and ground handling while calling for slot reform. They argue current slot regulations are no longer up-to-date and lead to inefficient capacity use.
Maintaining current rules avoids extra regulatory costs and prevents further overcrowding of limited airport apron space.
Dominant airlines would lose their ability to use slot rules as a protectionist tool against competition.

Consultation response

Fraport AG - Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide, 3 Jun 2024

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, in der Anlage finden Sie die Rückmeldung der Fraport AG zum "Fitness-Check" Mit freundlichen Grüßen William Ament Chief Liaison Brussels Corporate Communication Fraport AG

Consultation response

Aeroporti di Roma, 6 Jun 2024

Aeroporti di Roma S.p.A. welcomes the opportunity to provide its views on the issues covered under the airport fitness check as per the attached file; at the same time, it communicates its availability to be involved in the planned targeted consultation activities as indicated in the consultation…

Consultation response

Groupe ADP, 6 Jun 2024

Airport Charges Directive: the ACD is an efficient form of EU legislation, the proof being that it did not require a revision during COVID-19 crisis. It has produced a stable regulatory framework since its implementation, enabling Groupe ADP to successfully deliver an investment of over 460 M per…

Europeans for Fair Competition urges retaining airport slot rules

Europeans for Fair Competition, 6 Jun 2024

E4FC believes that the current Slot Regulation continues to be fit-for-purpose. They argue the five-week minimum series length provides the right operational framework. Significant revisions are considered unnecessary, as guidelines would be sufficient.
Staying with current rules avoids extra operational constraints and maintains hub efficiency.

AIRE Urges Greater Competition and Flexibility in EU Airport Rules

Airlines International Representation in Europe, 6 Jun 2024

The group wants to keep existing slot usage rules and boost competition among ground handlers. They also seek more transparency regarding airport charges to prevent unfair price hikes.
Airlines would benefit from lower operational fees and greater flexibility during peak travel times.
Large airport operators would lose their monopoly over service provision and fee-setting power.

Consultation response

Flughafen München GmbH, 5 Jun 2024

Thank you very much for the opportunity to provide feedback to the EU Fitness-Check. Please find attached the response from Munich Airport.

Consultation response

Cargolux Airlines International S.A., 6 Jun 2024

Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Europe's leading all-cargo airline, would hereby like to share its recommendations for potential improvements to the Groundhandling Directive 96/67/EC, the Airport Charges Directive 2009/12/EC, and the Slot Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93. The document attached…

Consultation response

Elysian Aircraft BV, 6 Jun 2024

Elysian Aircraft (Elysian) is a European aircraft manufacturer reimagining the potential of battery-electric flight. Our E9X aircraft is designed for regional routes, transporting 90 passengers over distances up to 800 kilometres. Electric flying can only become economically viable and scalable…

Consultation response

Flughafen Wien AG, 6 Jun 2024

Die Flughafen Wien AG (FWAG) ist von den drei genannten Gesetzesakten (Entgelte-Richtlinie, Bodenverkehrsdienste-Richtlinie, Slots-Verordnung) direkt betroffen und nimmt hiermit am Call for Evidence teil. Hintergrund: Die Lage der europäischen Luftfahrt hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren stark…

Consultation response

Bundesverband der Deutschen Fluggesellschaften e.V., 6 Jun 2024

As a matter of principle, the Association of German Airlines (BDF) strongly advocates better and effective regulation of monopolies in the field of aviation and the liberalisation of ground handling services. More effective regulation and better ground handling services are essential for the…

Consultation response

SEA Società per azioni Esercizi Aeroportuali, 5 Jun 2024

Airport charges In a European airport industry that is privately financed, to guarantee that airports can put in the investment required, the regulatory stability for the aeronautical business is paramount. This means that the economic regulation rules at European level need to remain consistent…

Consultation response

Svenska Flygbranschen, 6 Jun 2024

The Swedish Aviation Industry Group (SAIG) is a non-profit making industry association which promotes, protects, and ensures that its member companies are not neglected with respect to political issues and lobbies for the continued survival and well-being of the Swedish air transport industry. SAIG…

Consultation response

Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH, 6 Jun 2024

Stellungnahme des Flughafens Köln/Bonn zum Fitness-Check der EU-Flughafengesetzgebung zu den Bodenverkehrsdiensten: Der Flughafen Köln/Bonn lehnt eine Verschärfung der europäischen Gesetzgebung bei den Bodenverkehrsdiensten ab. Die Revision der BVD-Richtlinie und hier vor allem die geplante weitere…

Consultation response

AviAlliance GmbH, 5 Jun 2024

Continue to Incentivize Investments While Fostering Competition and Efficiency AviAlliance welcomes the European Commission's initiative to conduct a fitness check of EU airport legislation. It is a critical measure to advance the efficiency and competitiveness of European air travel and the…

Consultation response

Swedavia AB, 5 Jun 2024

Airport Charges The current Airport Charges Directive (the ACD) serves its purpose well. Importantly, it has established a framework for consultations that ensures transparency and non-discrimination as well as a complaints procedure. In Sweden, since the introduction of the ACD and implementing…