24/06/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 23 June, the European Commission opened a contribution period with a view to extending the aid granted to regional airports for a period of 3 years. The 2014 Aviation Guidelines initially provided for a transitional period of 10 years - ending in 2024 - during which aid to airports with less than 3 million passengers per year is deemed compatible with internal market rules. However, in view of the consequences of the health crisis and the difficulties in reaching break-even points due to high fixed costs and low traffic, the Commission wants to extend the transitional period to 2027. This would, the Commission argues, avoid the closure of some small airports and the associated job losses. See the consultation: https://aeur.eu/f/2bm (TM)