‘Existential threat’: Europe’s regional airports are most vulnerable to jet fuel crisis
‘Existential threat’: Europe’s regional airports are most vulnerable to jet fuel crisis
Existential threat – Regional airports across Europe face heightened risks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a statement from a leading industry organization. The recent escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has imposed a retaliatory blockade, has driven up jet fuel prices to unprecedented levels. Earlier this month, the cost of jet fuel reached over $1,800 (€1,535) per ton, significantly impacting the aviation sector. This surge in fuel costs has prompted airlines to raise fares and reduce flights, particularly those serving smaller, regional airports. ACI Europe, the organization representing the continent’s airport community, has warned that these developments could signal a “existential threat” to the viability of regional air hubs.
Strain on Regional Airline Operations
The financial pressure on airlines has intensified as energy prices climb, exacerbating existing challenges for Europe’s smaller airports. These hubs, which often rely on more fragile revenue streams, are disproportionately affected by rising operational costs. With demand for flights on their routes typically more responsive to price changes, airlines are increasingly forced to make difficult decisions about which routes to cut. This has led to a noticeable trend of capacity reductions targeting regional services, as demonstrated by the recent closure of Lufthansa’s regional subsidiary, CityLine. Such moves highlight the vulnerability of these airports to market fluctuations and underscore the urgent need for targeted support.
Post-pandemic recovery has been uneven for European airports. While larger hubs have seen a 16% rebound in passenger traffic compared to 2019 levels, smaller regional airports continue to struggle, with activity remaining 30% below pre-COVID-19 benchmarks. This disparity has left regional airports in a precarious position, as they are now grappling with both supply and demand shocks. The combination of soaring fuel prices and reduced passenger numbers has created a perfect storm, threatening to destabilize their operations and financial sustainability.
Broader Implications for Europe’s Aviation Network
ACI Europe emphasizes that regional airports are not just critical for local connectivity but also serve as vital arteries for the EU’s Single Market. These hubs facilitate 35% of the continent’s air traffic, playing a pivotal role in maintaining economic cohesion and supporting regional development. However, their strategic importance has not shielded them from the current crisis. The organization argues that the prolonged high fuel prices could trigger a chain reaction, leading to reduced service offerings and a decline in passenger confidence.
The situation is further complicated by the delayed implementation of the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), which is designed to streamline border checks and enhance security. The sluggish rollout of this system is expected to create bottlenecks at regional airports during the summer season of 2026. With tourist traffic projected to increase at these locations, the EES’s inefficiencies could strain resources, leading to longer wait times and operational disruptions. This adds another layer of difficulty for regional airports already under financial strain.
Financial Challenges and Policy Calls
Small airports are currently bearing the brunt of the financial burden, with user charges for airlines—such as landing and parking fees—remaining approximately 11% below pre-pandemic levels. This shortfall has resulted in an average loss of €2.64 per passenger, compounding their struggles to remain profitable. ACI Europe warns that without intervention, these losses could accumulate, jeopardizing the long-term survival of many regional air facilities.
“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,” said Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe. He highlighted how airlines, in their quest to cut costs, are disproportionately targeting routes that serve smaller airports. “For them, this is nothing short of an existential threat,” Jankovec added, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect these vital infrastructure nodes.
“An airport is truly what puts a community not just on the European but on the global map. Our strategic relevance has been growing in recent years, strengthening the role we play in the EU’s tourism diversification agenda.”
Andrea Andorno, CEO of Torino Airport and Chair of the ACI Europe Regional Airports Forum, echoed these concerns. She noted that regional airports are indispensable for maintaining the EU’s single market and fostering economic integration. “Considering that they are channeling 35% of Europe’s air connectivity, regional airports are clearly indispensable enablers of the EU’s Single Market, and essential for cohesion and regional development,” Andorno stated. Her comments underscore the broader implications of the crisis, which could ripple across the continent’s economy and social fabric.
ACI Europe has called for several measures to alleviate the burden on regional airports during the energy crisis. These include the temporary suspension of national aviation taxes, which could provide much-needed relief to airlines and the tourism industry. The organization also advocates for the continuation of operating aid for airports handling up to one million passengers annually, as well as the acceleration of decarbonization efforts in the aviation sector. Additionally, they propose that regional airports be granted the authority to fully suspend the Schengen EES in cases of excessive waiting times at border control, a scenario anticipated during the 2026 summer season.
The combination of these challenges highlights the critical need for policy adjustments to safeguard regional airports. Without such support, these hubs may not only lose their capacity to serve local communities but also risk undermining Europe’s broader economic and social connectivity. The crisis has exposed the fragility of the current system, and the calls for intervention reflect a growing recognition of the importance of regional airports in sustaining the continent’s mobility and trade networks.
