The Commission has today decided to extend the transitional period for operating aid under the Guidelines on State aid concerning regional airports and airlines.
Under the existing guidelines, operating aid was limited to airports with an average annual traffic of up to 3 million passengers, with the transitional period set to end on 3 April 2024. A specific regime for operating aid was also introduced for smaller airports with up to 700,000 passengers.
Due to the significant challenges faced by the aviation sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis, the Commission has decided to extend the transitional period until 3 April 2027 of both the general regime allowing operating aid to airports with an average annual traffic of up to 3 million passengers and the specific regime applying to airports with up to 700 000 passengers per annum.
For further information: see Official Journal