Summary The EU has banned airlines from adding fuel surcharges after ticket purchase, warning such practices breach consumer laws, though limited exceptions apply to pre-disclosed package holidays.
NEW YORK (AFP) - The European Union has warned airlines against adding fuel surcharges after tickets have already been purchased, amid rising energy costs affecting the aviation sector.
An EU spokesperson, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, stated in Brussels that while airlines are free to adjust fares before sale, introducing additional fuel charges after booking is not justified.
Officials emphasised that such post-booking changes could violate EU rules on unfair commercial practices, as passengers must be charged the full and final price at the time of purchase.
In guidance issued alongside its assessment of the aviation energy crisis, the European Commission made clear that retroactive price increases are not permitted. Airlines are also prohibited from including contract terms that allow fares to be increased later due to higher-than-expected fuel costs.
However, limited exceptions exist for package holidays, provided that potential fuel-related price changes are clearly outlined in advance. In such cases, increases of up to 8 per cent are allowed, while higher hikes give customers the option to cancel their bookings.
The issue has drawn attention in France, where Spanish low-cost airline Volotea is under investigation for charging additional fuel fees following the recent energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict.
Despite the scrutiny, Volotea’s France director, Gilles Gosselin, defended the policy, saying it is temporary, transparent, and legally supported by independent aviation and consumer law experts.
