Answer given by Ms Vălean on behalf of the European Commission
23.10.2023
1. Commission services monitor aviation market developments on an ongoing basis. Latest data shows that average air ticket prices for the whole European market have been some 20-30% higher over summer 2023, as compared to 2019 — albeit with significant differences among Member States, and across different routes, depending on factors such as availability of alternative modes of transport, number of competing carriers serving a particular route, or seasonality[1].
2. The Commission has currently no evidence that airlines are abusing their pricing power. Under the Air Services Regulation[2], airlines have the freedom to set prices. The Air Services Regulation also prohibits practices such as drip pricing, by requiring that the final price including all unavoidable and foreseeable elements be displayed at all times.
The Commission is also currently assisting the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national consumer authorities in analysing all the elements of the alert from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 23 of its members on alleged greenwashing practices by 17 European airlines. The CPC Network will then decide on the appropriate follow-up.
3. A proposal to revise the EU passenger rights framework is envisaged for November 2023. It will aim among others to support the improved enforcement of passenger rights across transport modes. The Commission will continue to review the regulatory framework for the provision of air services in the EU, including the Air Services Regulation, with a view to promoting a resilient and more sustainable sector, while continuing to ensure connectivity and competition, protect consumer interests, and preserve high quality employment.
- [1] Many factors have been affecting air prices, including pent-up demand after pandemic travel restrictions; fuel price inflation; cost of labour, cost of dealing with environmental externalities; and limits on airline supply resulting from capacity constraints either on the ground or in the air.
- [2] Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community (OJ L 293, 31.10.2008, p. 3):
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02008R1008-20201218