ACI EUROPE has raised concerns that proposed aviation state aid reforms could weaken regional connectivity and economic resilience.
ACI EUROPE has called on the European Commission to reconsider key aspects of its proposed aviation state aid framework, warning that the measures could significantly impact regional airports, reduce connectivity and increase economic disparities across Europe.
The association’s response was submitted as part of the Commission’s public consultation on proposed new state aid rules for the aviation sector.
Regional airports at centre of state aid debate
According to ACI EUROPE, the draft guidelines risk undermining the long-term sustainability of regional airports and the communities they serve.
The organisation argues that regional airports play a far broader role than simply providing transport infrastructure, acting as vital links that support employment, investment, tourism, public services and access to the European Single Market.
Olivier Jankovec said: “Regional airports are so much more than simply transport infrastructure. They are vital economic lifelines that connect communities to jobs, investment, tourism, public services and the wider European Single Market.”
ACI EUROPE identified three areas of particular concern within the proposed framework.
The first relates to new restrictions on operating aid for airports handling between 500,000 and one million passengers annually. The proposal would introduce a five-year limitation period and additional conditions for support.
The association argues that many smaller airports continue to face structural financial challenges linked to limited economies of scale, increasing seasonality, airline consolidation and rising operating costs.
ACI EUROPE noted that several independent economic studies, including research commissioned by the European Commission itself, have highlighted these challenges.
Investment support and route development concerns
A second concern centres on proposals to end investment aid for airports handling more than three million passengers per year while imposing additional conditions on funding below that threshold.
The airport body argues that many medium-sized airports face substantial investment requirements in areas including safety, security, cyber security, decarbonisation, climate adaptation and infrastructure modernisation.
ACI EUROPE is advocating for continued eligibility for investment aid at airports handling up to five million passengers annually, arguing that access to private financing remains limited for many regional facilities.
The third issue involves plans to eliminate start-up aid for airlines launching new routes.
According to the association, such support has historically helped regions attract new air services, improve connectivity and support economic development.
Jankovec warned that a state aid framework which weakens regional airports could damage local economies and reduce territorial cohesion across Europe.
He said: “The future State aid framework must be grounded in economic and market realities and support the crucial role regional airports play in maintaining territorial cohesion and economic competitiveness.”
ACI EUROPE is urging policymakers to revise the proposals before final adoption, arguing that connectivity remains essential for supporting regional growth and maintaining public confidence in European institutions.
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