EU transport commissioner slams airports
The European Commission has criticised the region’s airports, including London’s Heathrow, for failing to cope with freezing weather and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas said that as a result he was considering introducing minimum service requirements for airports, which could prompt them to make better preparations for severe weather.
"I am extremely concerned about the level of disruption to travel across Europe caused by severe snow," he said. "It is unacceptable and should not happen again.
"In recent days, I have become increasingly concerned about the problems relating to the infrastructure available to airlines – airports and ground handling – during this severe period of snow. It seems at this stage that this is a "weak link" in a chain which, under pressure, is contributing to severe disruption."
Airports in western Europe should learn from their counterparts in northern Europe, he said.
"Airports must get serious about planning for this kind of severe weather conditions. We have seen in recent years that snow in western Europe is not such an exceptional circumstance. Better preparedness, in line with what is done in northern Europe is not an optional extra, it must be planned for and with the necessary investment, particularly on the side of the airports."
Kallas will convene a meeting with airport representatives in the next few days to ask for further explanations and to take a look at what it necessary to make sure there is no repeat of this winter’s fiasco.
"We need to ensure that, from infrastructure providers such as airports and rail infrastructure manages, there are appropriate service levels and minimum quality requirements that are followed and delivered .
"If there is a need for support from the European Commission in terms of regulation on minimum service requirements for airports in this area, I am prepared to do that, for example, when we bring forward the Airports package on slots and groundhandling which is foreseen before summer next year.
"First I want to hear the views of the airport operators and the different practices in place across Europe. We must look at the issue across the whole travel chain and make sure possible loopholes and weak links are identified and closed."
By Linsey McNeill
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 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026