In the ruling, made on August 30, the court found that the discounts granted to Wizz Air, as much as 85%, regarding fees for high-capacity aircraft, are state aid, cannot be justified economically and distort competition. Wizz Air pays “a negligible amount” for airport fees, which do not cover operating costs. A private investor would not have granted such a discount and there is obvious discrimination between Wizz Air and transporters using smaller aircraft, the court said.
The European Commission also considers the airport charges enjoyed by airline Wizz Air on the Timisoara Airport represent state aid, which could cause “significant and irreparable” damage for competitor Carpatair, and requests an official position from Romania within one month.
In late May, the Commission opened an investigation on the contractual relations between the Timisoara Airport and Wizz Air, specifically a marketing agreement concluded in 2008 and unpaid airport charges of EUR2.6 million, as well as additional rebates of 72% to 85% on all airport charges for large aircraft.
Contacted by MEDIAFAX, Wizz Air officials said last week that the business relationship with the airport is mutually advantageous and also beneficial to passengers.