Europe's air travel faces turbulence from court rulings and new border checks
Air travel policies across Europe are facing fresh scrutiny after a series of recent developments. From court opinions on airport capacity to disputes over flight permissions and new border checks, the sector is navigating both legal and operational challenges. These changes could soon affect passengers, airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and airport operations.
The European Court of Justice has yet to deliver a final ruling on Dublin Airport's passenger cap. In February 2025, Advocate General Campos Sánchez-Bordona issued an opinion supporting the measure, but the court's decision remains pending as of February 2026. No evidence suggests this case has influenced capacity rules at other European airports.
Meanwhile, airlines are lobbying to reduce emissions trading costs, arguing that high fees strain both passengers and business models. The push comes alongside ongoing debates over sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) quotas, with industry leaders calling for clearer incentives to meet environmental targets.
In Germany, Emirates appears close to securing approval for Berlin flights, though restrictions will apply under a compromise in the long-running air traffic rights dispute. Separately, the upcoming rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) threatens significant delays this summer, as stricter border checks add processing time for travellers.
Beyond aviation, Mönchengladbach is advancing cutting-edge space projects, though details on their connection to air travel remain limited.
The aviation sector is bracing for potential disruptions as legal rulings, environmental policies, and new border systems take shape. Airlines and airports must now adapt to evolving regulations while balancing financial and operational pressures. The outcome of these changes will likely become clearer in the coming months.
