BRUSSELS: The European Union has barred airlines from imposing additional fuel surcharges on passengers after tickets have already been purchased, reinforcing consumer protection rules amid rising aviation fuel costs.

EU officials said passengers must be charged the final and complete ticket price at the time of booking, warning that retroactive fuel-related charges could violate European rules on unfair commercial practices.

European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said airlines remain free to adjust fares before tickets are sold, but introducing extra fuel costs after booking is not considered justified under EU regulations.

The clarification came as the European Commission issued updated guidance linked to the ongoing aviation energy crisis and rising operational costs affecting airlines across Europe.

According to the Commission, airlines are also prohibited from including contract clauses that allow ticket prices to increase later because of higher-than-expected fuel expenses.

However, limited exceptions apply to package holiday bookings where potential fuel-related price adjustments are clearly disclosed in advance. Under EU rules, package holiday prices can increase by up to 8 percent, while larger increases give customers the right to cancel their reservations.

The issue recently gained attention in France, where Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea is under investigation for introducing additional fuel fees after bookings following the recent energy market disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.

Volotea’s France director, Gilles Gosselin, defended the temporary policy, saying it was transparent and supported by independent aviation and consumer law experts.

The latest EU guidance comes as airlines across Europe continue to face pressure from volatile fuel prices and broader geopolitical uncertainty affecting global energy markets.

Also read: Asian airlines cut flights and add fuel stops as jet fuel shortages deepen