Protecting passengers and helping EU transport navigate the Middle East crisis

The Commission has put forward guidance for the transport and tourism sector, to clarify how existing EU rules can help deal with the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. This guidance is intended particularly with potential jet fuel shortages in mind, should the conflict continue.

The guidance highlights that

• Passengers affected by cancellations continue to benefit from air passenger rights. They are entitled to reimbursement, re-routing, or return, assistance at the airport and compensation for last-minute cancellations. Airlines may only be exempt from financial compensation when they can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances. High fuel prices should not be considered an extraordinary circumstance.
• Airlines are required to display final ticket prices upfront thanks to the Air Services Regulation, which ensure transparent pricing of airfares. This means they are not allowed to charge extra fees retroactively due to fuel surcharges.
• Airlines can be exempted from the 90% fuel uplift rule under the ReFuelEU Aviation, to help avoid the closure of certain routes. On airport slots, airlines may be exempt from the usual landing and take-off slot obligations due to fuel supply issues at airports.

In parallel to this guidance, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also issued a Safety Information Bulletin to inform stakeholders about the safe usage of Jet A aviation fuel in Europe.

Other modes of transport affected by high diesel costs, including road, rail, inland waterways and maritime transport, will also be supported by temporary financial support measures.

For more information

Directorate-General for Transport website

Guidance on EU rules applicable to passengers and tourism and transport operators

EU action to address the energy crisis