In the EU, three key instruments shape airport operations: the Slot Regulation (95/93) ensures fair allocation of scarce runway capacity through independent coordination and the “use‑it‑or‑lose‑it” rule; the Airport Charges Directive (2009/12/EC) mandates transparent, non‑discriminatory pricing and airline–airport consultation; and the Groundhandling Directive (96/67/EC) opens access to essential services while allowing limited restrictions for safety or space. Together, they promote efficient capacity use, fair pricing, and competitive ground services—critical for connectivity, investment, and service quality across EU airports.
The main goal of the study - Support Study for a Fitness Check on the Functioning of Airports - is to support the Commission (DG MOVE) with the fitness check which consists of the evaluation of these three pieces of legislation, individually and collectively, as well as how these function together. The fitness check will provide a comprehensive assessment of the three pieces of legislation, which will feed into the European Commission Staff Working Document and guide any future revision of the regulation and directives to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and deliver on their objectives in a rapidly evolving market environment.
The study will have the following specific objectives:
• Assess the extent to which the legislative acts have achieved their intended objectives
• Identify synergies, overlaps, gaps and inconsistencies between the legislative acts and broader legislative environment affecting airport capacity
• Assess the cumulative impact of the legislative acts on the functioning of EU airports
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for possible regulatory improvements
The fitness check applies a mixed-method approach combining legal, economic and empirical analysis to assess the three legislative pieces against the five Better Regulation evaluation criteria . It starts with desk research and intervention logics, followed by stakeholder consultation tools—an EU-wide survey, targeted interviews and case studies at selected airports—to capture practical implementation and market effects. Quantitative and qualitative evidence is triangulated to evaluate effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value, including a systematic cost–benefit assessment using the Standard Cost Model and extrapolation where data gaps exist. This methodology ensures a robust, evidence-based evaluation of each act individually and their cumulative impact on airport functioning.
Partners - Ramboll Consult (leader); TIS; Spark Legal