EPP Group calls for more help for transport sector, not only airlines

"We want to prevent empty or half-empty flights from flying, protect the environment and take pressure away from the aviation sector during the coronavirus crisis", says Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, EPP Group Spokesman for Transport and Tourism, ahead of today's approval of the EU law allowing European airlines to keep their airport slots even when flights are cancelled.

“The aviation industry is in an unprecedented crisis and needs prompt and effective measures", says Marinescu. Additionally, the EPP Group is in favour of extending the application period of this temporary rule until 24 October 2020. "This is the reassuring signal we want to send to air carriers", explains Marinescu.

"It is the small airlines that are, especially, under enormous pressure. It is time to think about further assisting them. Airports and small businesses depending on aviation and the transport and tourism industry as a whole are also in need of measures to reduce the burden caused by the coronavirus crisis”, adds Marinescu.

"This situation requires urgent proposals for road and maritime transport, for example. We need to make sure that goods, especially the essential ones, like food and medical supplies, circulate freely and are available to citizens", concludes Marinescu.