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Revision of EU rules on air services

Transport

Current EU rules on air services provide common rules for air services in the EU (operating requirements, freedom to provide services, pricing freedom). The initiative will update and clarify those rules in light of lessons learnt, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, changing market dynamics and geopolitical and environmental developments.The aim is to ensure that the EU internal aviation market continues to provide connectivity that is consumer-centric, affordable, reliable, socially and environmentally sustainable and globally competitive

Links

Public consultation

ID: 14620

Lobbying Activity

39 responses

Transport and Environment urges EU to limit short-haul flights

Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment), 10 Jun 2025

The group wants the EU to strengthen rules allowing flight bans where rail alternatives exist. They also propose adding mandatory environmental requirements to public service flight contracts.
Strengthening these rules helps the organization achieve its primary goal of reducing aviation emissions.
Short-haul airlines and regional airports lose revenue as more flight routes face restrictions.

Airbus urges technology-driven aviation decarbonisation and rejects flight bans

Airbus, 11 Jun 2025

Airbus insists that protections against environmental flight bans should not be weakened. They advocate for technology-driven solutions like fleet renewal and increased sustainable fuel funding. Finally, they demand that EU rules align with international aviation standards.
Incentivizing fleet renewal and technological research would directly boost sales for aircraft manufacturers.
Environmental groups lose a policy tool for banning high-emission short-haul flight routes.

DHL Group urges EU to liberalize aviation and cargo rights

DHL Group, 11 Jun 2025

DHL Group calls for relaxing ownership restrictions to attract investment and expanding cargo traffic rights. They also seek to protect overflights from air traffic control strikes to ensure service continuity.
This would allow DHL to access non-EU capital and compete against American delivery giants.
Labor unions lose power if regulations prevent strikes from impacting overflights across European airspace.

ETF demands air service reforms to end worker exploitation

European Transport Workers' Federation, 9 Jun 2025

The ETF proposes using the 'home base' concept to determine applicable labor laws and calls for a ban on bogus self-employment. They also firmly oppose any attempts to restrict the fundamental right to strike for air traffic controllers.
These reforms would improve working conditions and protect transport workers from social dumping and job insecurity.
Airlines using aggressive outsourcing and complex corporate structures would lose the ability to exploit regulatory loopholes.

Airlines for Europe calls for targeted reforms to aviation rules

Airlines for Europe, 6 Jun 2025

A4E calls for a targeted revision focusing on airline competitiveness rather than adding new regulatory burdens. They request more flexibility for foreign investors and binding measures to minimize the impact of air traffic control strikes.
These changes would protect profit margins by blocking new costs and ensuring operational stability.
Consumer groups and travelers may face fees for luggage and less protection during bankruptcies.

Consultation response

Ryanair Holdings, 11 Jun 2025

Please see here attached Ryanair's response to the call for evidence for the revision of the Air Services Regulation.

ACI Europe pushes for ownership reform and crisis resilience funding

Airports Council International - European Region, 11 Jun 2025

They request relaxing airline ownership caps and streamlining public service obligation procedures. They also advocate ring-fencing security investments from state-aid limits. Finally, they oppose artificial flight bans in favor of sustainable fuel mandates.
These reforms would help airports attract global investment and protect revenue from flight restrictions.
Environmental advocates lose as the group prioritizes flight growth over train-based transport alternatives.

IATA urges EU to maintain existing aviation market rules

International Air Transport Association, 11 Jun 2025

IATA opposes the establishment of airline insolvency guarantee funds and restrictions on prepayments. They advocate for a global carbon offsetting mechanism instead of regional rules. They also argue against using market access restrictions to achieve environmental goals.
Avoiding new financial mandates helps airlines maintain liquidity and prevents operational cost increases.
Passengers and environmental groups lose out on stronger financial protections and climate safeguards.

Air France-KLM urges EU to protect social standards and ownership

Air France-KLM, 11 Jun 2025

The company requests a legally binding 'home base' definition for aircrew to ensure fair social standards. They oppose relaxing ownership rules and want to limit long-term aircraft leasing from non-EU countries.
Maintaining current rules protects their market position from low-cost rivals using cheaper foreign labor.
Budget airlines and ticket intermediaries would face stricter oversight and higher operating costs.

Consultation response

Air France-KLM, 9 Jun 2025

See attached document

Spanish business group urges aviation overflight protection during strikes

CEOE - Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales, 10 Jun 2025

CEOE demands 100% capacity for overflights during strikes and 72-hour notice from air traffic controllers. They argue baggage policies should remain a commercial choice instead of being standardized by regulation. Additionally, they propose relaxing non-EU investment limits and simplifying aircraft leasing rules.
Relaxing leasing and investment rules would reduce administrative burdens and attract capital.
Air traffic control unions would lose strike leverage and face financial penalties.

Consultation response

eu travel tech, 11 Jun 2025

eu travel tech welcomes the Commissions call for evidence for an impact assessment regarding the upcoming revision of Regulation 1008/2008 on Air Services. This revision is an historic opportunity to ensure full price comparability, reinforce passenger rights and advance the Green Deal by closing…

IAG urges EU to protect overflights during controller strikes

International Consolidated Airlines Group, 10 Jun 2025

IAG calls for binding safeguards for overflights during strikes and more flexible ownership rules to attract non-EU investment. They also seek to relax wet leasing restrictions to better manage seasonal demand and operational shortages.
These reforms would help IAG secure global capital and maintain operational stability during industrial actions.
Online travel agencies face potential regulatory crackdowns on their pricing and transparency practices.

European Travel Agents Call for Mandatory Airline Insolvency Protection

ECTAA, Group of National Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations within the EU, 9 Jun 2025

ECTAA demands mandatory insolvency protection for airlines and unrestricted reimbursements for travel intermediaries. They also advocate for guaranteed access to all fares and free standard-sized cabin bags.
Securing mandatory insolvency protection and content access would lower financial risks and operational costs.
Large airline groups would lose the power to restrict lower fares to their own channels.

TUI Group urges ownership flexibility and opposes prepayment restrictions

TUI AG, 11 Jun 2025

TUI Group argues against restricting ticket prepayments and calls for more flexible airline ownership rules. They also request that flights passing through airspace be exempt from restrictions during air traffic control strikes.
Greater flexibility would lower capital costs and protect funding for seasonal operations.
Passengers face higher ticket prices and increased flight cancellations if prepayments are restricted.

easyJet urges EU to modernize airline ownership and control rules

easyJet, 11 Jun 2025

The airline requests modernization of outdated ownership rules to allow more foreign investment. They also call for the protection of overflights during strikes and oppose banning flights on environmental grounds.
Easier access to international capital markets would lower financing costs for new green technologies.
Aviation unions would face stricter notice requirements and mandatory arbitration before taking industrial action.

US airlines fight baggage standardization and ticket prepayment bans

Airlines for America, 9 Jun 2025

A4A opposes standardizing cabin baggage sizes and mandating that optional fees be included in base fares. They also request the right to overfly striking countries and reject new insolvency protection rules.
This would allow airlines to maintain commercial flexibility and avoid additional compliance costs.
Passengers lose the security of standardized baggage rules and mandatory insolvency protections.

Aena urges EU to protect connectivity and slot capacity

Aena, S.M.E. S.A., 10 Jun 2025

Aena opposes short-haul flight bans and demands reforms to prevent slot blocking by bankrupt airlines.
Efficient slot management allows Aena to maximize terminal usage and airport traffic.
Failing airlines and their creditors lose control over valuable airport slot portfolios.

Czech industry urges EU to protect air connectivity and growth

Svaz průmyslu a dopravy ČR, 6 Jun 2025

The group opposes restrictions on short flights and mandatory carbon footprint labeling. They advocate for managing aviation growth through technological innovation and infrastructure investments.
This approach preserves regional economic benefits while unlocking public funding for airport upgrades.
Environmental groups lose potential carbon savings from the immediate restriction of short-haul flights.

Consultation response

Finavia Corporation, 9 Jun 2025

Finavias response to the European Commission call for evidence for an impact assessment of Regulation 1008/2008 attached

Consultation response

Finnair, 7 Jun 2025

Please find Finnair response attached.

European Passengers' Federation demands transparent airfares and insolvency protection

European Passengers' Federation, 5 Jun 2025

EPF calls for mandatory insolvency protection for ticket refunds and repatriation. They also demand clear pricing for extra charges across all booking channels. Finally, passengers should have the right to cancel flights during major crises without fees.
Travelers would enjoy better price comparability and secured refunds if an airline fails.
Air carriers would lose revenue from hidden fees and must fund mandatory passenger guarantee schemes.

Consultation response

Skyscanner Limited, 9 Jun 2025

Skyscanner welcomes the European Commission's initiative to revise the Air Services Regulation and strongly supports modernisation efforts that enhance consumer choice and market competition. As a leading metasearch platform serving millions of European travellers, we understand the critical role…

German aviation group urges EU to prioritize airline market competitiveness

Bundesverband der Deutschen Luftverkehrswirtschaft e. V., 11 Jun 2025

The association urges the EU to prioritize competitiveness and avoid new regulatory burdens. They call for a minimum price on flights to stop tickets being sold below cost. They also reject mandatory financial protection for passengers if an airline goes bankrupt.
Airlines would maintain financial planning security and avoid the costs of mandatory insurance schemes.
Budget travelers lose access to the cheapest fares if minimum price rules are enforced.

Consultation response

Bundesverband der Deutschen Luftverkehrswirtschaft e. V., 6 Jun 2025

BDL believes that Regulation 1008/2008 has worked well and sees no urgent need for a revision of the Regulation. Instead, the European Commission should prioritize promoting the competitiveness of EU aviation. In case the European Commission moves ahead with a revision a few elements should be…

EBAA urges EU to reject flight bans and operational hurdles

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION, 6 Jun 2025

The association opposes flight bans and requests more flexible financial rules for small operators. They also want better access to efficient flight paths and priority for urgent missions.
These changes would protect small operators and lower their fuel and operational costs.
Regional economies lose significant investment if short-haul business flights are restricted.

E4FC urges stronger labor rules to protect airline competitiveness

Europeans for Fair Competition, 11 Jun 2025

The coalition wants to tackle bogus self-employment and fictitious home bases. They advocate for a clear legal definition of an airline's operational base.
These measures would protect established European airlines from being undercut by rivals.
Foreign airlines and investors would face stricter limits on European market access.

AIRE urges flexible ownership and leasing for EU airlines

Airlines International Representation in Europe, 11 Jun 2025

The group wants more flexible airline ownership rules to attract international capital. They suggest simplifying plane rental rules and oppose any bans on short-haul flights. Additionally, they call for a harmonized EU approach to manage air traffic control strikes.
Easier access to foreign funding would help airlines finance their expensive transition to greener technologies.
Aviation workers may lose job security if the industry continues using diverse, unregulated employment models.

Consultation response

European Network Airlines' Association, 11 Jun 2025

The European Network Airlines Association (ENAA) believes that the Air Services Regulation, Regulation (EC) 1008/2008, has served well to further the EU internal market for air services. Its provisions remain fit for purpose until today and a comprehensive review as concluded by the 2019 evaluation…

Consultation response

AVIONS DE TRANSPORT REGIONAL, 6 Jun 2025

ATR welcomes the initiation of the revision process for Regulation No 1008/2008 and appreciates the opportunity to contribute its perspectives to the European Commission (DG MOVE). Our feedback is detailed in the attached PDF file. Sincerely, Nicolas GRANIER

Consultation response

Polskie Linie Lotnicze "LOT" S.A., 11 Jun 2025

LOT Polish Airlines' Position on the Revision of the Air Services Regulation (Regulation 1008/2008) LOT Polish Airlines welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discussion on the possible revision of the Air Services Regulation, which remains the cornerstone of the EUs internal air…

Consultation response

Condor Flugdienst GmbH, 11 Jun 2025

Please find attached Condor Airlines feedback. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Call for Evidence regarding a possible review of the Air Services Regulation (1008/2008).

Consultation response

Elysian Aircraft BV, 10 Jun 2025

Elysian calls upon the Commission to recognize battery-electric aviation in the revision of the Air Services Regulation as a means to promote environmentally sustainable connectivity with the following measures: Require the deployment of zero-emission aircraft on routes operated as Public Service…

Consultation response

European Cabin Crew Association, 10 Jun 2025

EurECCA welcomes the call for evidence for an impact assessment with the aim to revise Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 on common rules for air services, aiming to make aviation more sustainable, resilient, and socially responsible, while preserving fair competition and high quality employment. EurECCA,…

Consultation response

Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination, 8 Jun 2025

ATCEUC firmly opposes the European Commissions proposal to ensure overflight continuity during air traffic controller (ATCO) industrial actions, as outlined in its initiative to revise Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008. ATCEUC considers this a direct threat to the fundamental right to strike,…

Consultation response

ZeroAvia, 11 Jun 2025

ZeroAvia welcomes the revision of Regulation 1008/2008 and appreciates the opportunity to contribute insights through this call for evidence. Please find our feedback attached.

U.Di.Con. urges EU to standardize airfares and hand luggage rules

U.Di.Con. APS Unione per la Difesa dei Consumatori, 6 Jun 2025

U.Di.Con. calls for transparent price breakdowns and mandatory EU-wide standards for hand luggage dimensions. They also advocate for certified email complaint channels to replace inefficient web forms.
Standardized rules would allow consumers to compare prices easily and exercise their refund rights.
Airlines relying on hidden fees and complex baggage rules would lose extra revenue.

Consultation response

Svenska Flygbranschen, 11 Jun 2025

Please find attached the response from the Swedish Aviation Industry Group (SAIG) (Transportföretagen Flyg, Svenska Flygbranschen) to this important consultation regarding EUs rules for air services. The Swedish Aviation Industry Group (SAIG) is a non-profit making industry association which…

Consultation response

, 7 Jun 2025

Die Bundesarbeitskammer als Vertreterin von fast 4 Millionen Arbeitnehmer:innen und Verbraucher:innen in Österreich begrüßt ausdrücklich die Überarbeitung der Flugdienste-Verordnung. Studien zeigen, dass Arbeitnehmer:innen und Verbraucher:innen im Luftverkehr effektiveren Schutz benötigen und es…