25/04/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 25 April, the European Commission approved a British public service compensation measure estimated to be worth around €7.7 million a year up to 2022 to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), for the use of the Sumburgh airport located in the Shetland Islands. The Commission examined this measure with regard to the guidelines on state aid to airports and airlines and the communication on public service compensation that allow the member states to grant aid in the form of compensation to airports that play a significant role in regional connectivity. It pointed out that without this airport, the Shetland Islands would be at a disadvantage compared to other regions of the EU in terms of regional connectivity and economic development and therefore gave the green light to the measure, which has not led to any competition distortions. (LT)