The European Commission has confirmed that airlines operating within the European Union are not allowed to charge passengers additional fuel surcharges after a ticket has already been purchased.

The clarification follows growing concerns over airline attempts to pass rising aviation fuel costs directly onto travellers after bookings have been completed.

The Commission also reaffirmed that airlines cannot refuse refunds for cancelled flights, even if high fuel prices are the reason behind operational disruptions.

Clarification Follows Volotea Controversy

The statement comes after Spanish low-cost airline Volotea introduced an additional fuel surcharge of up to €14 per ticket shortly before departure.

Passengers were reportedly asked to pay the extra charge after completing their original booking.

The move prompted Spain’s consumer rights organisation Facua to request an investigation into whether the practice violated European consumer protection rules.

In response, the European Commission confirmed that the final price shown at the moment of booking and payment must remain the definitive ticket price.

Airlines Must Absorb Fuel Price Risks

The Commission stated that airlines are responsible for managing fluctuations in aviation fuel prices themselves and cannot transfer those economic risks to passengers after a ticket sale has been completed.

European officials explained there is an important distinction between high fuel prices and an actual fuel shortage.

While geopolitical tensions and market volatility may increase operational costs for airlines, those factors alone do not justify adding post-purchase surcharges to tickets.

Passengers Still Entitled To Refunds

The European Commission also clarified passenger rights in cases where flights are cancelled.

Under EU rules, passengers remain entitled to receive a full refund, select an alternative route or, in some cases, claim compensation of up to €600.

Importantly, the Commission said high aviation fuel prices are not considered an “extraordinary circumstance” that would exempt airlines from their obligations toward passengers.

The only possible exception would involve an actual physical shortage of jet fuel at an airport or destination.

Even in such situations, airlines would still be required to refund passengers for cancelled flights.

European Airlines Facing Rising Cost Pressure

The clarification comes as several major European airlines, including Lufthansa, British Airways and KLM, have reduced certain routes amid rising operating costs and economic pressures.

Despite those challenges, the European Commission stressed that passenger protection rules remain fully in force across the European Union.