European airlines are using the Iran war's doubling of jet fuel prices to push the EU and the UK to drop or delay regulations they have opposed for years, including a planned rule that would allow each passenger two free cabin bags. Lobby groups are also targeting environmental payments, passenger compensation rules, "use it or lose it" airport slots, and the so-called "anti-tankering" rule that prevents airlines refuelling outside the EU with cheaper fuel.
The financial backdrop is tough. EasyJet has warned of a bigger-than-expected spring loss; Lufthansa has cancelled 20,000 flights; Virgin Atlantic told the FT it will struggle to turn a profit in 2026. Wizz Air boss József Váradi said: "I didn't start a war in Iran. So why do I have to bear the consequences of that?" — and called for fuel-shortage compensation rules to be waived. Industry group Airlines 4 Europe wants a temporary suspension of the anti-tankering rule, arguing it will take weeks for kerosene supply to normalise more than 50 days into the conflict. The European airline industry supports more than 5mn jobs across the region.
Brussels has so far conceded only minor temporary relief on slots, anti-tankering, public-service obligations and passenger rights, while transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas refused to push citizens to fly less ("There is no need at this point to intervene in how people live, work or travel"). The UK has already allowed exemptions to the slot rule when fuel shortages keep planes grounded. The wider question is whether a temporary energy crisis will be used to roll back consumer protections that survive long after kerosene normalises. Source: Financial Times, 28 April 2026, Peter Campbell and Ian Johnston.