05/05/2023 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission on Friday 5 May launched a consultation to gather views on its draft proposal to offer more flexibility to Member States to support regional airports, due to the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. The Commission wants to extend the ten-year transition period under the 2014 guidelines on state aid to airports and airlines by 3 years, until 4 April 2027. During this period, which expires on 4 April 2024, States are allowed, under certain conditions, to grant aid to cover the operating costs of regional airports with fewer than 3 million passengers per year. The consultation is open until 5 June 2023. Link to the consultation: https://aeur.eu/f/6qk (EV)