ACI Europe Urges Relief Measures as Fuel Crisis Threatens Regional Airports
Europe's regional airports are facing significant challenges due to rising jet fuel prices, fragile demand, and policy pressures, according to ACI Europe. The organization has called on Brussels and national governments to provide urgent relief to safeguard regional connectivity. Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, highlighted the existential threat posed by the energy shock triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. Smaller airports are particularly vulnerable, with passenger traffic at these airports still more than 30% below 2019 levels. The situation is exacerbated by surging fuel costs and weakening consumer confidence, which are likely to impact regional routes first. Airlines across Europe are adjusting schedules in response to fuel pressures, with some suspending services or cutting flights due to economic unfeasibility. 
