ACI Europe Urges EU Action on Aviation Security, Capacity Growth, Airport Slots

ACI Europe President Armando Brunini.

European aviation faces mounting challenges, requiring bold policy changes, according to Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) President Armando Brunini.

With the European Commission currently reviewing aviation regulations under its “Fitness Check” consultation — which assesses whether existing EU rules on airport slots, ground handling, and market access remain effective — Brunini is calling for urgent reforms to protect the integrity of Europe’s aviation market, security, and environmental goals, without sacrificing connectivity and economic growth.

Speaking at the ACI Europe New Year reception, Brunini, also the CEO of SEA Milan Airports, urged EU policymakers to modernize aviation regulations to ensure the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Geopolitical risks and aviation security

Brunini highlighted growing security threats in aviation and called for an EU-wide integrated testing and certification system for security equipment.

“Europe must keep pace with critical security technology — this should be part of the EU’s strategic autonomy agenda,” he said.

He pointed to the reintroduction of liquid restrictions at airports, which disrupted the industry despite major investments in advanced screening technologies. Many airports invested millions in state-of-the-art security equipment, only to have its certification revoked, undermining industry confidence in the system.

Brunini also urged the EU to increase support for security capacity building and finance key airport infrastructure.

Decarbonization and the future of air connectivity

On sustainability, Brunini reaffirmed ACI Europe’s commitment to “Fit for 55”, while warning that emission reductions should not come at the cost of air connectivity.

“We need more flexibility to decarbonize while preserving the economic and social benefits of air travel,” he stressed.

Referencing the Draghi report, he called for an EU Aviation Industrial Strategy that includes airports in the Clean Industrial Deal and introduces a “book & claim” system to efficiently deploy Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). He also pushed for more free ETS allowances for SAF and adjustments to State aid guidelines, particularly for small regional airports, which face greater financial strain under “Fit for 55”.

Supporting Regional Airports and Economic Growth

Brunini warned that higher flying costs under “Fit for 55” threaten the viability of regional airports. “Allowing them to continue receiving operating aid is crucial to maintaining Europe’s cohesion and territorial equality,” he said.

MEP Daniel Attard, also a co-host of the event, reinforced this point, noting that every 10 percent increase in air connectivity boosts GDP per capita by 0.5 percent. He urged the European Commission to recognize regional airports as “strategic assets” in its State aid policies.

Preserving European Airport Capacity

Beyond regional concerns, Brunini stressed the need to sustainably develop the broader European airport network. He criticized some Member States for restricting major airport capacity without complying with EU regulations, warning that such actions could weaken Europe’s aviation competitiveness.

Airport Slot Reforms: A Long Overdue Change

Brunini also underlined the urgent need to reform airport slot regulations, which have remained unchanged for over three decades.

“These rules reflect an aviation market that no longer exists,” he stressed. “They must be adapted to today’s capacity constraints and airline consolidation to ensure better use of scarce airport capacity and more transparency.”

His remarks were echoed by MEP Jens Gieseke, a member of the European Parliament’s Committee for Transport and Tourism, who stressed the need for a strategic action plan to reduce administrative burdens and support aviation’s competitiveness amid decarbonization pressures.

European airport trade body ACI Europe represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. Its members facilitate over 90 percent of commercial air traffic in Europe.