Brussels, 20 May 2026 — Thirty-five CEOs of European regional airlines have issued an open letter coordinated by the European Regions Airline Association, urging EU policymakers to pause the revision of EU261 passenger rights rules. They warn that the current proposals could push essential regional connectivity to breaking point.Â
The CEOs say regional airlines 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.Â
At a time of surging jet fuel prices, geopolitical instability and rising operating costs, regional airlines warn that additional compensation burdens could make essential routes unviable, leading to route cuts, grounded aircraft and, in some cases, airline failures.Â
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.”Â
ERA and its member airlines are calling on policymakers to pull the brakes on the ongoing revision, conduct a full impact assessment in light of the current geopolitical and economic environment, and develop a compensation regime that recognises the unique role and operational constraints of regional aviation.Â
“Passenger rights should protect and connect citizens, not isolate them,” the CEOs state in the letter.Â