Europe’s regional airports are warning that rising fuel costs, regulatory challenges and market pressures are threatening connectivity, financial stability and long-term operational resilience.
ACI EUROPE has warned that Europe’s regional airports are facing mounting financial and operational pressure as rising jet fuel prices and regulatory challenges threaten regional air connectivity.
The concerns were raised during the ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference and Exhibition, hosted by Torino Airport (TRN), where industry leaders highlighted the impact of geopolitical instability and structural market changes on regional aviation.
European regional airports’ fuel crisis threatens connectivity and resilience
According to ACI EUROPE, regional airports are particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs following ongoing instability in the Middle East, which has contributed to sharp increases in jet fuel prices across Europe.
Jet fuel prices reportedly exceeded $1,800 per tonne earlier this month, driving higher air fares and forcing airlines to review capacity allocation. Regional routes are considered especially exposed due to their greater sensitivity to price fluctuations and lower profitability.
ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec said many smaller regional airports continue to struggle following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The current levels of jet fuel prices and the prospect of a new cost-of-living crisis mean that many regional airports across our continent are likely to face both a supply and demand shock,” he said.
The organisation noted a widening divide between smaller regional airports and larger facilities. While larger airports have seen passenger traffic recover and grow beyond pre-pandemic levels, many smaller airports remain significantly below 2019 traffic volumes.
Additional concerns were raised over the implementation of the Schengen Entry Exit System (EES), which airports fear could create severe operational disruption during peak summer travel periods.
Industry representatives pointed to long passenger queues at regional airports in tourist destinations as evidence of the operational challenges associated with border processing changes.
Financial pressures are also intensifying. ACI EUROPE stated that, despite inflation and increasing operating costs, airport charges at smaller regional airports remain below pre-pandemic levels. As a result, many facilities are reportedly operating at a loss on a per-passenger basis.
Andrea Andorno, Chief Executive Officer of Torino Airport and Chair of the ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Forum, stressed the importance of regional airports to Europe’s economy and connectivity.
“Regional airports are clearly indispensable enablers of the EU’s Single Market, and essential for cohesion and regional development,” he said.
ACI EUROPE has called for several policy measures to support the sector, including the suspension of national aviation taxes during the current energy crisis and the continuation of operating aid for smaller airports.
The organisation also urged policymakers to accelerate support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production and the deployment of new low-emission aircraft technologies, including hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
In addition, airports are seeking greater flexibility in the application of the Schengen EES to prevent excessive border delays and operational disruption.
The warnings underline growing concern within the regional aviation sector that continued economic and regulatory pressures could weaken connectivity across Europe, particularly for smaller communities and regional economies reliant on air access.
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