Ensuring the competitiveness of European regional aviation

Ensuring the competitiveness of regional aviation is essential to maintaining Europe’s connectivity and preserving the integrity of the European Single Aviation Market. ERA is committed to fostering a fair operating environment that allows regional airlines to thrive while continuing to provide essential air services to communities across Europe.

To achieve this, ERA calls for urgent revisions to EU regulations that currently place a disproportionate financial burden on regional airlines, particularly on air passenger rights. Additionally, fair access to major European airports must be safeguarded to prevent discrimination against smaller carriers, ensuring that regional airlines remain a key part of the aviation network.

ERA also advocates for measures to prevent unfair commercial practices, such as price dumping, which distort competition and undermine the sustainability of regional aviation. Further, regulatory changes – such as the upcoming implementation of new EU regulations on border controls – must not impose unnecessary barriers that disproportionately impact regional carriers

The value of regional airlines in Europe

Regional airlines play a crucial role in the European aviation ecosystem. They facilitate economic growth by channelling economic activity into regional areas, and improve connectivity, particularly for individuals that need to travel to and from regions that are remote or poorly served by other transportation modes. Additionally, they play a critical role in helping to meet environmental goals, by supporting efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector.

In our report published in 2025, commissioned to Oxera, we estimate the economic impact of regional aviation in Europe, and discuss how it contributes to the promotion of social welfare, as well as its role in supporting decarbonisation efforts.