The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has warned that escalating US–EU trade tensions risk severely undermining regional air connectivity across Europe. The warning follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a proposed 30% tariff on all EU imports, due to take effect from 1 August.
ERA is particularly concerned about the aviation sector’s exposure and its impact on the European economy and society, as aircraft and related components are expected to be among the key categories impacted by potential EU countermeasures. The proposed list of US goods subject to these measures is valued at €72 billion, highlighting the significant economic stakes involved.
While the EU has reiterated its preference for a negotiated solution and paused planned countermeasures affecting €21 billion in US goods as a show of good faith, the outlook remains uncertain. As ERA highlights, there are no winners in a trade standoff that threatens essential connectivity and economic stability.
This warning also comes as Europe’s top 12 domestic markets continue to operate with 1.5 million fewer flights than pre-pandemic levels.1 And despite a projected 7% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, air connectivity in Europe still remains 9% below 2019 levels.2 Additional cost burdens will further limit recovery and threaten the future of regional connectivity.
“Regional airlines connect communities with few alternatives. If these tariffs go ahead, airlines will face higher costs that could lead to fare increases, reduced services or withdrawn routes,” said ERA Director General Montserrat Barriga. “This puts essential mobility, local economies and social cohesion at risk. Aviation is a global, co-operative industry. Trade barriers must not jeopardise access and resilience in Europe’s regions.”
ERA urges all policymakers and leaders to seek a constructive resolution and to exclude aviation items from any tariff measures, aviation being by definition a truly global industry built on co-operation and interoperability. As the European Commission and Member States engage in high-level discussions with the US, preserving aviation’s essential role in regional prosperity must remain a top priority.
1 EUROCONTROL European Aviation Trends – Long-decline of domestic flights in Europe, 10 May 2025.
2 ACI Europe, Airport Industry Connectivity Report 2025.
About ERA:
Founded in 1980, European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 50 airlines plus around 150 other companies involved in European air transport, and is the only association that bring together the entire spectrum of companies involved in European aviation. The association supports and defends the airline industry in providing safe, efficient and sustainable air connectivity to all regions of Europe. By lobbying European regulatory bodies on policy matters, ERA promotes and protects social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the development of regional economies and local communities.
Featured image credited to istock.com/JakeOlimb
