Brussels, 13/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - Following a complaint from a competing airline, the European Commission, on Wednesday 12 September, decided to launch a formal investigation into support that may have been granted by the Sardinia Region and SOGEAAL SpA to Alghero Airport in Italy. The Commission's investigation will focus on three points: - agreements between SOGEAAL, the company operating the airport, and Irish air carrier Ryanair concerning marketing support and other contributions; - a number of handling fee rebates which are apparently granted to low-cost air carriers at Alghero Airport; - financial support and compensation granted to SOGEAAL SpA for its operating losses and capital increase which the Commission considers might constitute state aid to the airport operator. Should the formal investigation lead to the conclusion that one or several of these measures constitute state aid, the Commission will need to decide whether they can be declared compatible with Community rules. (aby)