12.05.2026
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) welcomes the European Commission’s new guidance, published on 8 May, which provides clarification on the application of existing regulatory flexibilities in response to the challenges arising from the ongoing jet fuel shortages and price volatility linked to the Middle East crisis.
These disruptions continue to make it difficult for airlines across Europe to operate reliably, maintain regular flight schedules, and manage rising costs. While the guidance provides greater legal certainty, it does not introduce new relief measures and will not be sufficient if fuel supply disruptions and price volatility continue.
We are pleased that the European Commission has addressed several of ERA’s key recommendations, with the guidance providing clarification on:
- Fuel shortages qualifying as “extraordinary circumstances” under EU261.
- Airport slots treated as justified non-use (JNUS) where fuel shortages prevent normal operations.
- Anti-tankering exemptions allowing airlines to respond to local fuel supply constraints.
- Available flexibilities to safeguard the continuity of Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes.
However, ERA remains concerned about implementation, especially the requirements regarding ReFuelEU Aviation. The Commission directs Member States to ensure that NOTAMs (official flight information notices) are issued promptly and to accept them as sufficient proof for anti-tankering exemptions. However, some airlines are already experiencing delays in receiving NOTAMs, which undermines the intended flexibility and risks causing significant operational bottlenecks.
Regarding Public Service Obligations (PSOs), the guidance acknowledges that many contracts already contain provisions for frequency adjustments, fuel price indexation, and force majeure in exceptional circumstances. However, the Commission only encourages national authorities to apply these clauses. As a result, implementation will depend on each country’s decision, which could lead to inconsistencies across Europe.
A significant gap remains regarding fuel price pressure. The Commission’s guidance does not provide flexibility to airlines facing high fuel costs, as current EU law does not explicitly allow for this. As a result, airlines are being forced to internalise an increasing share of these costs, a situation that is placing a real pressure on operators and will not be sustainable if price volatility persists. ERA will continue to highlight the urgent financial pressures caused by extreme fuel price volatility and existing regulatory costs, particularly for regional airlines with limited hedging options and little ability to pass on rising expenses.
Commenting on the situation, ERA Director General Montserrat Barriga said that “regional airlines are being squeezed from all sides. Fuel shortages are one challenge, but extreme fuel price volatility is putting huge pressure on operators that simply do not have the same hedging power or financial buffers as larger carriers. Europe cannot expect regional airlines to absorb escalating costs indefinitely while continuing to safeguard essential connectivity for communities and businesses.”
ERA calls on policymakers and national authorities not only to ensure swift and consistent application of the Commission’s guidance, but also to recognise its limitations. If fuel supply disruptions and price volatility persist, a more strategic and coordinated approach will be required to address the mounting operational and financial pressures on regional airlines and to safeguard essential air connectivity across Europe.