European aviation continued to expand through the first quarter of 2026, but the industry is entering the peak summer season facing mounting uncertainty.
When costs rise, airlines protect their strongest routes, preserve aircraft utilization and cut their weakest links, which is where regional airports become exposed.
Europe’s regional airports are facing an “existential threat” from rising jet fuel prices, fragile demand and mounting policy pressures, ACI Europe warns.
European airlines and airports are concerned the new Entry/Exit System border control set-up will cause severe disruptions over the peak summer months.
A plan to open Lelystad Airport to commercial flights has been welcomed by the airport and broader industry while generating pushback from environmentalists.
ACI Europe says European airports face €360B in investment needs by 2040 amid rising costs, slower growth and climate goals, threatening financial viability.
Eurocontrol and airports industry group ACI Europe have published a framework aimed at helping airports, airlines and ANSPs prepare for climate change.
Associations representing European airlines and airports warn that a Dutch government plan to hike aviation taxes starting in 2027 would harm connectivity.
Smaller regional airports across Europe require policy intervention from the EU and national governments to address escalating pressures, ACI Europe says.
Several airports in Scandinavian countries and France continue to struggle, with many in these regions remaining as much as 40% below their pre-COVID numbers.
The aviation industry should continue to prepare for the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future, ACI Europe President Armando Brunini said.
