Airlines International Representation in Europe considers that airlines should have access to comprehensive information on rates, charges and performance metrics of airports and service providers to make informed decisions and negotiate competitive agreements. Information on how rates are set should be available and unjustified increases or discriminatory practices should be challenged.
- Setting airport charges at a level reflecting the costs incurred by airports – In accordance with the directive and the Chicago Convention, charges must be calculated based on the actual costs borne by airports, rather than with the aim of generating profit. In practice, this principle is regularly violated, with a particular excess in charge increases occurring after the COVID-19 pandemic as an attempt to compensate for the losses caused by the freeze in air traffic.
- Establishing a clear mandate for independent supervisory bodies with appropriate competencies – Revised regulations should entrust the supervisory authority with decision-making in all situations where interpretative differences arise.
- Increasing transparency – Airlines should have comprehensive access to information regarding fees, rates, and airport performance metrics to make informed decisions and negotiate favourable contract terms. The consultation process should also be strengthened by establishing mandatory consultation rounds at annual intervals for every airport regulated by the directive.
- Introducing a new dispute resolution mechanism (ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution) through mediation for decisions made by the regulator – The current appeal process is lengthy, costly, and inefficient.
AIRE believes airlines should have access to detailed information on airport rates, charges, and performance metrics to make informed decisions and negotiate competitive agreements. Transparency in rate-setting is crucial, and unjustified increases or discriminatory practices should be challenged.
