(Finance) – The European Commission has extended until April 4, 2027 the possibility of granting help to function in favor of certain regional airports under the 2014 guidelines on state aid to airports and airlines.
The 2014 Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines allow Member States to grant, under certain conditions, operating aid to regional airports with less than 3 million passengers a yearwith the ultimate aim of ensuring that these airports are able to cover their respective costs.
Since the adoption of the guidelines in 2014, the European aviation sector has been faced with a severe crisis due to the pandemic of coronavirus and the health and travel restrictions in place to contain its spread. There energy crisis that followed Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine had a further impact on the sector, in particular by significantly increasing the energy costs of airport operators.
In light of these exceptional circumstances, the Commission has decided to extend by three years, until 4 April 2027, the transitional period during which Member States can grant aid to cover the operating costs of regional airports. This will allow Member States to support regional airports so that they can cover costs and return to profitability. The specific regime for airports with annual traffic not exceeding 700,000 passengers is also extended until 4 April 2027.