The decision was made against the backdrop of energy instability and the threat of disruptions in kerosene supplies due to the crisis in the Middle East. For the European aviation market, this means that carriers must continue to bear commercial and price risks, rather than transferring them to passengers.
What the European Commission has clarified
In recommendations published on May 8, the European Commission said that air passengers retain the right to refunds, alternative routes, airport assistance and compensation for last-minute flight cancelations. Exceptions are only possible if there are “extraordinary circumstances” which the airline must prove.
High fuel prices do not qualify as such circumstances. “High fuel prices should not be regarded as an extraordinary circumstance,” the European Commission said in its explanations.
The document came after warnings from European carriers about possible disruptions to jet fuel supplies in the event of escalating conflict in the Middle East and risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, the cost of jet fuel has risen by almost 84% since the end of February.
The European Commission also emphasized that airlines cannot impose additional fuel surcharges once tickets are sold. The final price of a flight must be transparent and known to the passenger in advance.
Why this is important for the aviation market
In fact, Brussels has made it clear that price and logistical risks in aviation remain the responsibility of the airlines themselves. This is particularly sensitive for the industry on the eve of the summer tourist season, when carriers generate a significant part of annual revenue.
Some European airlines have already started to reduce the number of flights and available seats due to rising kerosene costs. At the same time, carriers that have fixed fuel prices in advance through hedging mechanisms have found themselves in a more stable position.
At the same time, the European Commission allowed temporary relaxations for the industry. In particular, carriers will be able to obtain exemptions from certain requirements on the use of airport slots and aircraft refueling rules in case of real fuel shortages at certain EU airports.
In addition, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) authorized the use of the American Jet A aviation fuel standard in Europe instead of the more common Jet A-1 standard in the EU, if necessary, to reduce the risk of supply disruptions.
For passengers, the recommendations mean maintaining one of the world’s toughest air traveler protection regimes, even in the face of energy and geopolitical instability.
