IATA chief slams Europe’s “burdensome” aviation regulations

IATA DG and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said European aviation is “beset with burdensome regulations,” and argued that a “spirit of change” is needed to improve the competitiveness of European airlines. De Juniac singled out the Airport Charges Directive and the EU 261 passenger rights legislation as examples of regulatory overreach stifling growth in European air travel. For the former, which charges airlines to use airport facilities, de Juniac said the initiative had “not kept airport charges competitive,” and noted that passenger charges have doubled as a proportion of the ticket price. As for EU 261, which requires airlines to compensate passengers for delays, cancellations and involuntary denied boardings, de Juniac labeled the rule a “mess for airlines and passengers” and a “bonanza for claims agencies and their dubious practices.” In addition, he criticized the European Court of Justice for issuing “intolerable interpretations” of the rule which “do nothing to help passengers,” and said the only solution to the regulatory headache was a “wholesale reform” of the rule.<br/>