European airlines push to ease green fuel rules

European airline chiefs will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the impact of the war in the Middle East, rising oil prices and the European Union’s rules on sustainable aviation fuels. The industry is expected to push back against parts of the bloc’s green agenda.

Airlines are seeking to persuade regulators to scrap the requirement to use synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) from 2030, citing limited supply and high costs.

They argue the rules place European carriers at a disadvantage compared with competitors from Asia and the Middle East.

The conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted air traffic, is also shaping the debate. Several flights have been cancelled or diverted, while airspace over the Gulf remains restricted. Aviation fuel prices have risen sharply, roughly doubling in Europe and increasing by around 80 per cent in Asia.

Some airlines have already announced fare increases. Air France-KLM and SAS have responded to rising costs, while Finnair has warned of the risk of fuel shortages. European carriers are reported to have hedged part of their costs, protecting them from short-term fluctuations.

At the same time, the industry continues to invest in technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

(reuters, max)