Aarhus Lufthavn A/S Investigation16 Jan 2008 17:55
BRUSSELS (Thomson Financial) - The European Commission says it has opened an investigation into potential state aid granted to Ryanair (Dublin: RY4.IR - news) and a number of other airlines by Aarhus airport operator Aarhus Lufthavn A/S.
The investigation follows a complaint that the Danish airport operator granted state aid to various air carriers operating at Aarhus airport through discriminatory rebates on airport charges.
On the basis of the investigation, the commission will determine whether Aarhus Lufthavn A/S sets its airport charges independently from the public authorities, or whether the arrangements it has concluded with various airlines are in line with the market economy investor principle.
If either of these questions is answered positively, the airport charges at stake do not involve state aid, the commission says.
However, if the investigation finds aid was granted to airlines, the commission would need to determine whether it is compatible with the common market. 15 January 2008