Protectionism putting brakes on growth, says Vienna Airport CEO
Protectionism is slowing growth within the aviation sector in Europe, the CEO of Vienna Airport has warned.
Speaking at the Routes World 2024 event in Bahrain, Julian Jäger said the regulatory environment and decarbonisation initiatives may ”reduce growth potential in the future” with “higher costs”, leading European airlines to “try to block entry from non-European airlines as much as they can”.
“Less traffic rights will be [a] major barrier to traffic growth in the future,” he added.
Protectionism in Europe’s aviation sector remains a contentious issue, as governments seek to shield national airlines from external competition.
Several European countries have historically provided financial support to their flag carriers, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking debate over fair competition.
Protectionist policies often involve state aid, ownership restrictions, and slot allocation advantages, which can limit market access for non-EU carriers and low-cost airlines.
Critics argue that such measures stifle competition, raise prices, and limit consumer choice, while proponents claim they are necessary to preserve jobs, maintain connectivity, and ensure the survival of strategic national assets.
However Jäger added that the political climate in Europe was now “changing, and changing for the better”, with a more positive approach to air travel.
“With the more difficult economic environment that we live in, in Europe, the focus is more on a pro-business and pro-aviation focus.”
