Speaking at a conference in Bucharest, Almunia said he is confident Romania will implement a system that can preserve fair competition in air transport.
Air transport’s potential for growth is high, but in many EU member states we have a number of non-profitable regional airports benefiting from taxpayer’s money, the EU official said.
“The duplication of non-profitable airports is not necessary. It doesn’t really help local development or accessibility and in reality it amounts to a waste of public money,” he added.
Almunia also highlighted that, besides aid to airports, aid granted to low-cost air carriers can also raise competition concerns. “Under certain conditions, this support might benefit the consumers, but we cannot ignore the distortions of competition that can occur vis-à-vis other airlines. The Commission and the Romanian authorities will continue their discussions on these issues. I am confident that you will put in place a system that can preserve fair competition in air transport, a sector in which Romania has a long tradition of excellence.”
Late May, the Commission opened an investigation on the contractual relations between the Timisoara Airport and airline 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.
The Commission’s view is that such preferential treatment could force Wizz Air’s single competitor, Carpatair, out of the market, on certain routes. The Commission also noted that Wizz Air is attempting to drive Carpatair off the market on the routes, using illegal state aid.
In September, the Commission said the airport charges enjoyed by Wizz Air on the Timisoara Airport in Romania represent state aid, which could cause “significant and irreparable” damage for competitor Carpatair, and requested an official position from Romania by October 13.