The Commission's press office reported that the EU regulation on air services requires ticket sellers to indicate the final price at the time of purchase. This means that all taxes, fees and mandatory charges must be included in the price. The EC noted that high aviation fuel prices have been completely predictable for several weeks, and airlines can adjust their published tariffs to them without additional surcharges after booking. On Friday, the European Commission will issue recommendations to member states.
See also: Will there be a shortage of aviation fuel? “The crisis could spread in 48 days”
Airlines' practices violate EU directives
An example of action contrary to this position was the move of the Spanish airline Volotea, which was the first in Europe to introduce an additional fee of up to EUR 14, added to the ticket price after purchasing it. This type of practice may also violate EU directives on unfair commercial practices and unfair contract terms. However, the EC emphasized that both directives are applied by national consumer protection offices and each case must be assessed separately.
See also: “Price jumps of 30 percent are possible.” Experts warn against canceled flights. “The costs are becoming unaffordable”
In an interview with the British daily Financial Times, Transport Commissioner Apostolos Dzidzikostas said that if airlines decide to cancel some flights due to high fuel prices, they will still have to pay compensation to passengers. The fuel crisis is not a sufficient justification not to do this. Dzidzikostas added that Europe “can ensure supplies of aviation fuel for a long time.”
According to EC estimates, refineries in the EU are able to cover 70%. EU demand for kerosene. However, for this to happen, Member States must coordinate access to aviation fuel among themselves. Currently, the EU imports 40 percent. aviation fuel from third countries, and half of this percentage comes from the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran.
