The European Commission is currently reviewing the 2014 guidelines on state aid to airports and airlines, according to the response published on Tuesday 8 April to a written question put by MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew Europe, Irish).
Asked about small regional airports and air connectivity by the parliamentarian, the Commission reported that it had carried out consultations with stakeholders and launched an external support study which should be finalised in 2025. “The aim is to adopt the new rules before April 2027, and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft guidelines before that date” emphasised Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s Executive Vice-President responsible for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.
In her words, “the revision of the Aviation Guidelines will consider connectivity needs of Member States as well as the need to decarbonise the aviation sector”. The Commission recognises the role of these airports for connectivity and social and territorial cohesion, but fears distortions of competition.
Written questions: https://aeur.eu/f/gcw
The Commission's response: https://aeur.eu/f/gcv (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)