Airlines slam MEPs for ‘vote to support higher costs’
Airlines claims changes introduce by the European Parliament yesterday will lead to increased costs for air passengers.
MEPs voted through the amendments to the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Basic Regulation despite opposition from industry operational experts, they claim.
Airline lobby group Airlines for Europe (A4E) said the move would increase red tape and costs, which would be passed on to passengers.
Of particular annoyance to the A4E was the European Parliament’s decision to reject the European Commission’s proposal to streamline the aircraft leasing approval process in case of unforeseen circumstances to make it easier for airlines to cope with disruptions.
"It is really disappointing that MEPs have largely ignored the expertise of the airline industry and have voted to support red tape and higher costs to passengers," said A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert.
"The amendments approved today will not improve safety standards in any way but will increase the bill paid by passengers to fund bureaucracy.
"We are doing our best to address our passengers’ needs, while MEPs are simply reject lifting unnecessary administrative burdens."
Other areas of concern for A4E include the non-transparent transfer of air navigation charges to fund EASA.
"Safety is our primary objective and we will continue to engage fully during the next stage of the legislative process.
"It is however imperative that our extensive operational experience and expertise is taken into consideration to improve safety standards and passengers are not asked to bear the costs", added Reynaert.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026