The guidance provides clarification on the application of EU rules affecting passengers, tourism and transport operators, particularly regarding airport slot usage requirements for airlines. Under the EU Airport Slot Regulation, airlines are normally required to use allocated airport slots at least 80% of the time. The Commission’s guidance confirms that airlines may receive temporary relief from this requirement on a case-by-case basis when cancellations result directly from airport jet fuel shortages.
The commission supports the airport coordinators’ recommendation
The guidance fully endorses a recent recommendation issued by the European Airport Coordinators Association (EUACA). This recommendation allows jet fuel shortages to qualify as Justified Non-Use of Slots (JNUS), enabling airlines to retain slot rights despite operational disruptions. At the same time, the Commission clarified that rising jet fuel prices alone do not qualify as JNUS and therefore do not justify broader exemptions from slot usage obligations.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, said: the organisation supports targeted slot alleviation where operational disruptions are beyond airlines’ control. He stated: “We fully support the need for airport slot usage alleviation in case of duly documented jet fuel shortages, as this is beyond airlines’ control and involves significant operational disruptions.”
Airports warn against wider slot waivers
ACI Europe also supported the Commission’s decision not to extend wider slot usage waivers linked solely to fuel price increases. The organisation said broad exemptions could negatively affect airport operations, connectivity and financial stability across the aviation and tourism sectors. According to ACI Europe, airports have already planned summer operations and resource allocation based on strong passenger demand forecasts.
The group warned that large-scale, short-notice cancellations linked to broader slot waivers would disrupt passengers, reduce airport revenues, and prevent the efficient use of airport capacity.
Olivier Jankovec added: “Fuel prices do not justify derogations from airport slot usage rules – as this would under the current circumstances impact the proper functioning of the internal market and potentially damage connectivity and shift the financial burden onto airports and the wider travel and tourism sector.”
Additional clarifications welcomed by airports
The Commission also confirmed that contracts linked to routes operated under Public Service Obligations (PSOs) may be adjusted to reflect the impact of jet fuel shortages and price increases.
In addition, the guidance confirmed there are no regulatory barriers preventing the use of Jet A fuel imported into Europe. ACI Eutope said the most effective measure to protect air connectivity would be the temporary suspension of national aviation taxes by EU Member States. The organisation noted that smaller and regional airports remain particularly vulnerable to increases in airfares and reductions in airline capacity resulting from higher operating costs.
Tags: Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe European Commission European Airport Coordinators Association (EUACA)
