05/07/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 5 July, the European Commission approved German public aid to support the operation of Dortmund Airport. This airport is co-owned by the City of Dortmund and Dortmunder Stadtwerke, a publicly owned local utility provider, which covers the costs of operating losses through subsidies. The aid, amounting to €27 million and available until 2023, is intended to cover these operating losses. The Commission has examined this measure in light of EU State aid rules and, more specifically, guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines. It stated that the aid would relieve congestion at Düsseldorf airport, thus facilitating mobility within the EU and improving connectivity within the region, without creating distortions of competition. It therefore concluded that it was compatible with EU law. (LT)