A lobbying group for poorer European areas is attempting to block expected curbs on state aid to regional airports, arguing that the growth of no-frills carriers at Europe's secondary airports is vital to regions' economies. The Committee of the Regions has asked the European Commission to take "due account" of the positive role played by low-fares airlines as a "catalyst for economic development and job creation" in drafting new guidelines on state aid. The commission has been revising existing rules on state aid, after Charleroi Brussels South airport was judged to have breached anti-subsidy rules in its deals with Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair in February.
Source: Flight International