Brussels, 16/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the European Union decided not to oppose the payment, already made by the Netherlands, of EUR 26.1 million to the national airlines following the closure of airspace from 11 to 14 September 2001. The Commission's decision is fully in line with its Communication of 10 October 2001 on "The repercussions of the terrorist attacks in the United States on the air transport industry" and authorises exceptional aid to the airline sector on the conditions that it 1) it will compensate only the costs incurred during those four days as a result of traffic interruptions; 2) it is based on an objective calculation of loss of income, account having been taken of costs avoided and of additional costs, during that period; 3) it applies without discrimination to all national airlines which have suffered this damage.