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Air France: Complaint against Ryanair

Direct News Source

11-Mar-2010 At the end of November 2009, Air France filed a complaint with the European Commission against Ryanair with respect to the financial aid it receives from French regional and local airports.

Ryanair's agreement to serve these airports is conditional on the airport authorities' granting aid to it. Such measures, taking the form of reduced airport taxes, preferential ground handling rates at certain airports or marketing aid, have been implemented by at least 25 French regional airports.

In addition to the fact that they were never officially announced before they were implemented, these measures are contrary to European regulations. They are neither temporary or decrease over time. On the contrary, they are considered to be permanent.

Moreover, the subsidies granted Ryanair are often financed by the airport taxes paid by other airlines at these airports.