Evaluation Support Study for the Revision of the Guidelines on State Aid to Airports and Airlines

Aktuelles Projekt

Projektleitung

Pierre Hausemer, EY Economic and Policy Advisory Services

Projektzeitraum

1. Oktober 2024 - 30. September 2025

Auftraggeber*innen

European Commission, DG Competition

Kooperationspartner*innen

EY Economic and Policy Advisory Services, E.CA Economics GmbH, Learlab s.r.l.

The study offers a comprehensive retrospective assessment of the Aviation Guidelines related to State Aid, evaluating their effectiveness and efficiency in promoting regional development and enhancing accessibility while minimizing competitive distortions. The analysis focuses on three primary areas:

  1. It examines whether the 2014–2024 transition period for phasing out operating aid to airports is adequate. Specifically, it investigates the ability of various airport categories to cover operating costs, assessing if the time frame until 2024 is sufficient for those currently unable to achieve full cost coverage to do so.
  2. It evaluates the suitability of the existing airport categorization in determining the need for operating aid. This includes reviewing the aid intensity thresholds—80% for airports handling under 700,000 passengers annually and 50% for those with 700,001 to 3 million passengers—and considering the validity of the policy barring aid for airports with more than 3 million passengers.
  3. It explores the contribution of regional airports to local economic development and employment, analyzing whether and how these airports have supported regional growth and job creation.

DIW Team

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