Evaluation study for the European Commission on the State aid rules for operating aid to airports

As part of the ongoing fitness check of current State aid rules, the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission has appointed a consortium led by Lear and participated by DIW Berlin and Sheppard Mullin, to carry out a study to support its evaluation of the rules regarding airports’ access to operating aid under the EU Aviation Framework applicable as of 2014. The study provides an independent evidence-based assessment on whether the 10-year transitional period ending in 2024 for the phasing out of operating aid to airports is adequate, and whether the current passenger thresholds to establish the need for operating aid are fit for purpose. Moreover, the study assesses whether the existing state aid rules support regional development and accessibility of regions, while at the same time limiting the distortion of competition. The assessment is based on a financial and econometric analysis based on data collected from a sample of airports and on other statistical data available.

Published study is available here