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ARTICLE · 12 MAY 2026

European Commission Holds Back Aviation Relief Amid Middle East Crisis

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The European Commission has declined to extend targeted state aid relief to the aviation sector despite escalating operational challenges from the Middle East crisis. While other transport sectors receive support under the METSAF framework, airlines face rising jet fuel costs and operational constraints without regulatory waivers for anti-tankering rules or slot usage requirements.

NetherlandsTransport
Pieter Huizing
Pieter Huizing
Estelle de Krom
Estelle de Krom
Julie van Pelt
Julie van Pelt
Author LinkedIn connections

Recently, the joint Boards of Airline Representatives (BARs) across Europe expressed their concerns to the European Commission about the escalating impact of the Middle East crisis. Despite the operational challenges raised by the sector, at this stage the Commission appears reluctant to offer targeted support to airlines. The Middle East crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) does not include the aviation sector and the recent Guidance by the Commission in support of the aviation industry does not provide the additional relief requested by the sector.

The METSAF 

On 29 April 2026, the Commission adopted the METSAF, providing targeted temporary support for the sectors most exposed to the energy price surge triggered by the escalating situation in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Based on Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and valid until December 31, 2026, the METSAF covers agriculture, fisheries, land transport, maritime transport, and energy-intensive industries. It

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