Air Transport and the Agreement on the European Economic Area

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) with regard to air transport in relation to the three EEA European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States; Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Although regarded as a well-functioning and dynamic agreement, it has certain inherent limitations which are highlighted. The article explores the third-country dimension of the EEA Agreement as regards air services and examines the effects of the ‘open skies’ rulings with regard to the EEA EFTA States and some of the shortfalls of the otherwise level playing field for air carriers within the EEA. References are also made in this context to three other agreements; the European Free Trade Association Convention, the European Common Aviation Area Agreement and the Swiss-EU Air Transport Agreement.