In a document published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Commission takes the preliminary view that the 2008 agreement, which has led to unpaid airport charges, as well as the rule that grants additional rebates of 72% to 85% on all airport charges for aircraft above 70 MTOW, constitute, without a doubt, state aid.
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.
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 has also noted that Wizz Air is attempting to drive Carpatair off the market on the routes, using illegal state aid. Were it to succeed, Wizz Air would have a monopoly on these routes.
Romania is invited to submit its comments on the issue within one month of receiving the letter.