EU steps up investigation into state aid to airports

The European Union plans to launch "in-depth investigations" into state aid granted to German and French airports and used to subsidise services from low-cost carriers. State aid is generally forbidden under EU law, but it is permitted for smaller airports, handling up to five million passengers p/a, in order to boost the economy of less developed regions. The European Commission has said it has "doubts whether the subsidies are necessary" and "whether the aid was proportionate".