European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and its member airlines are calling on policymakers to pull the brakes on the ongoing revision and conduct a full impact assessment in light of the current geopolitical and economic environment.
The 35 airline CEOs state in the letter to the policymakers: “Passenger rights should protect and connect citizens, not isolate them.” They urge to develop a compensation regime that recognises the unique role and operational constraints of regional aviation and support strong and fair passenger rights, but caution that a one-size-fits-all regulation ignores the harsh operational realities of flying thin routes, managing smaller fleets, and serving remote regions, islands and isolated communities.
The open letter, coordinated by ERA, asks EU policymakers to pause the revision of EU261 passenger rights rules, saying that the current proposals could push essential regional connectivity to breaking point.
Montserrat Barriga, Director General of the European Regions Airline Association, said: “Regional airlines are the lifeline for many of Europe’s communities, connecting people to education, healthcare, economic opportunity and the wider world. Passenger rights must be strong and fair, but they must also be workable. We urge policymakers to pause and reassess, and to deliver a balanced reform that protects passengers without putting essential air links at risk.”
