EU Commissioner Tzitzikostas outlines strategic vision for sustainable European aviation at ACI Europe 2025

REPORT – Athens, Greece – Sustainable European aviation took center stage at the ACI Europe Annual Congress & General Assembly 2025 in Athens, where Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, presented the EU’s strategic priorities for the aviation sector. Addressing a high-level audience of airport executives and policymakers, Tzitzikostas outlined a comprehensive roadmap rooted in innovation, decarbonisation, and competitiveness — with the goal of ensuring the long-term viability and leadership of European aviation on the global stage.

Opening his remarks, the Commissioner acknowledged the vital contribution of Europe’s airports to the continent’s mobility and economic integration. “You are the backbone of connectivity, supply chains, and the broader tourism ecosystem,” he said, reinforcing that sustainable European aviation is a cornerstone of the EU’s resilience and global competitiveness.

Tzitzikostas identified four key focus areas: airspace capacity, competitiveness, decarbonisation, and operational efficiency. He called for urgent action to modernize European air traffic management, highlighting that current capacity constraints result in congestion and customer dissatisfaction, particularly during peak travel seasons. The Commissioner advocated for accelerating the implementation of the Single European Sky and wider adoption of sensor-based innovations already in use globally — urging European airports not to lag behind in deploying technologies developed within the EU itself.

On sustainable European aviation, Tzitzikostas delivered a firm message on the need to transition from fossil fuels to alternative, low-carbon energy sources. The EU’s target of a climate-neutral economy by 2050 was reaffirmed, with airports expected to act as testbeds for clean energy integration, including electricity, hydrogen, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Acknowledging the challenges facing SAF uptake, such as high costs and lack of large-scale production, he confirmed that the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan will address these gaps with dedicated support mechanisms.

“Correct and early risk-taking must be rewarded,” he said, outlining EU plans to convert the current ‘first-mover disadvantage’ into a strategic advantage through coordinated investments, offtake agreements, and incentive structures. Tzitzikostas also reiterated full support for initiatives like the Airport Carbon Accreditation and Destination 2050, underlining their role in aligning the sector with EU environmental goals.

Crucially, the Commissioner made clear that sustainable European aviation cannot come at the cost of competitiveness. He announced a forthcoming review of the Air Services Regulation, expected by mid-2026, aiming to streamline regulatory frameworks, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, and bolster Europe’s position in international aviation markets. Issues under review include airline ownership rules, employment standards, crisis response mechanisms, and consumer protections.

Passenger rights were another key topic. Tzitzikostas emphasized the need for a system that is fair, intuitive, and effective for both consumers and the industry, noting ongoing trilogue negotiations between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission.

From a broader policy perspective, the Commissioner highlighted the geopolitical and economic risks facing aviation — from climate change to energy dependency. He advocated for a shift toward proactive, integrated resilience planning, including dual-use airport infrastructure that meets both civilian and military standards. Referencing NATO-aligned military mobility corridors, he called on Member States to ensure that critical upgrades are included in national investment strategies.

Throughout his address, Tzitzikostas emphasized collaborative governance, stating his opposition to unilateral decision-making. “Successful policy must be co-created with the stakeholders it impacts,” he said, committing to open dialogue with ACI Europe and other industry bodies throughout upcoming regulatory processes.

Looking ahead, the EU will continue assessing the effectiveness of existing legislative frameworks concerning airport charges, slot allocation, and ground handling through an external “fitness check” expected by the end of 2025. Outcomes could lead to legal reforms aimed at promoting better resource utilization and connectivity.

In closing, Tzitzikostas reiterated that aviation remains a vital enabler of European unity, prosperity, and mobility. “With your continued cooperation in the areas of innovation, decarbonisation, and investment, I am confident that the future of European aviation will not only remain bright but become even stronger,” he concluded.

As Europe prepares to navigate a rapidly evolving transport landscape, this vision for sustainable European aviation — rooted in strategic foresight, stakeholder engagement, and green innovation — sets a clear course for a competitive and resilient air transport sector.

The article EU Commissioner Tzitzikostas outlines strategic vision for sustainable European aviation at ACI Europe 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.