The Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) informs you that the European Commission has submitted to Public Consultation the draft of the revised Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.
The current framework dates back to 2014 and its revision aims to adapt the rules to the important developments that have taken place in the aviation sector, including the increase in air traffic, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis, as well as the European decarbonisation targets.
Key proposed changes include:
- the tightening of the conditions for granting operating and investment aid to airports;
- the abolition of start-up aid for new air services;
- the revised assessment of the impact of the aid on competition between neighbouring airports.
The European Commission invites interested parties to submit comments, opinions and evidence-based suggestions on the proposed changes and their possible impact on the aviation sector at national or regional level.
Comments can be submitted until 11 June 2026, through the dedicated consultation page at the following link:
https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/public-consultations/2026-air-transport-guidelines_en
Members who are active or directly or indirectly affected by the aviation sector, tourism, transport, airport services or related activities are encouraged to study the draft and participate in the consultation if they consider it appropriate.
For any further information, interested parties can contact directly the competent department of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition, through the consultation page above.
