newstodate.aero
Jan 16, 2008 (newstodate): The EU Commission has decided to open a formal investigation into allegations that the operator of Denmark's Aarhus Airport would have granted state aid to certain airlines through discriminatory rebates on airport charges.
The investigation follows up on a complaint that airport charges set by Aarhus Lufthavn A/S might constitute state aid to Ryanair.
Notably, the investigation should allow the Commission to determine whether Aarhus Lufthavn sets its airport charges independently from the public authorities, or whether the arrangements it has concluded with various airlines are in line with the market economy investor principle.
Were either of these questions to be answered positively, the Commission would conclude that the airport charges at stake do not involve State aid.
Should aid have been granted to airlines, the Commission would need to determine whether they are compatible with the common market.
At this stage, the Commission has not been able to obtain sufficient information from the Danish authorities to either conclude that the measures at stake are not aid or that they are compatible aid, and the decision therefore calls upon Denmark to submit such information.
The investigation follows up on a complaint that airport charges set by Aarhus Lufthavn A/S might constitute state aid to Ryanair.
Notably, the investigation should allow the Commission to determine whether Aarhus Lufthavn sets its airport charges independently from the public authorities, or whether the arrangements it has concluded with various airlines are in line with the market economy investor principle.
Were either of these questions to be answered positively, the Commission would conclude that the airport charges at stake do not involve State aid.
Should aid have been granted to airlines, the Commission would need to determine whether they are compatible with the common market.
At this stage, the Commission has not been able to obtain sufficient information from the Danish authorities to either conclude that the measures at stake are not aid or that they are compatible aid, and the decision therefore calls upon Denmark to submit such information.