European Commission developing new directives for airport charges

European Commission is considering developing new directives for airport charges, to be implemented by Mar-2011 (Reuters, 18-Nov-2009). The move will ensure transparency of charges and prevent airports from decreasing charges to attract carriers, while making up the difference through public funds. The directive will also ensure all airlines are charged the same for using the same level and type of infrastructure, but allows for modulation, in which carriers can be charged differently based on environmental considerations.

European Commission: "I don't think new regulation would necessarily result in higher airport charges. Some airlines currently pay too much, some pay too little…There is a crazy race towards state aid taking place with public financing replacing carrier chargers and this has a deleterious effect," De Benavent said. "Taxpayers cannot be subsidising airlines," Rodrigo Vila De Benavent, Head of Airport and Infrastructure. Source: Reuters, 18-Nov-2009.