Airlines across Europe are demanding a level playing field (or should that be airfield) in regard to support during difficult periods as it means global competition is leaving them behind
Europe's airlines are losing ground to global rivals and need stronger EU support to tackle rising regulatory costs, make sustainable jet fuel affordable and better !manage crises, a lobby group representing the continent's main carriers said.
The European Union has asked for feedback on a new Aviation and Aeronautics Strategy, with the deadline for submissions set for Thursday as the sector struggles with the knock-on effects of the Iran war.
"The COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of Russian airspace, the crisis in the Middle East, together with growing global protectionism have worsened the competitive disadvantage for EU carriers," Airlines for Europe (A4E) said in its submission to the EU seen by Reuters on Wednesday.
More on this :
Europe's airlines say wars, red tape are holding them back as rivals streak ahead (Reuters - May 20, 2026)