Euro boost for low-cost regional airports
New moves to encourage low-cost use of regional airports were announced by the European Commission today.
Brussels wants to back new companies operating from under-used “secondary” airports around the European Union, taking the pressure off main airports such as Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle, near Paris.
Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said: “Steps need to be taken to promote the regional airports and the development of new air services in Europe.
“At the same time, everything must be done to ensure equality of treatment between companies and between airports.”
The Commission has already authorised start-up aid for Ryanair to operate from Charleroi Airport, in Belgium – a move the Commission said today signalled support for regional development and the “emergence of new companies“.
Mr Barrot said: “Increased competition within the EU, notably through the emergence of low-cost companies, is prompting many airports to take active steps to encourage certain companies to open up new air services.”
He went on: “As a result of this trend, air transport can be provided on a far wider scale and at much reduced prices, thereby contributing to regional economic development and the reduction of congestion at the hub airports“.
Today’s announcement triggers the opening of “consultation” with EU governments and with the public on draft guidelines authorising start-up aid of between 30% and 50% of total costs over a maximum of five years.
Governments and “interested parties” are invited to submit comments before definitive EU guidelines are published later this year.
