New EU airports directive could give Cardiff Airport an advantage over Bristol
15.01.08
Welsh air travellers' chances of enjoying cheap trips were boosted after a debate in the European Parliament yesterday, the South Wales Echo reports. Euro MPs were debating a proposal that could exclude Cardiff Airport (and other airports with less than 5 million passengers a year) from potentially costly new legislation that would raise airport costs.
Under the new rules, which still need approval from the EU's 27 nations, airports will have to consult airlines on the way charges are structured. If airlines deem the charges excessive, they will be able to appeal to a national regulatory body, which will help solve disagreements. This will add costs at airports in order to provide the information and administer the system.
If the Welsh MEPs win their battle in Brussels, Cardiff Airport will have a competitive advantage over its bigger local rival Bristol (which has more than 5 million passengers). And the airport's chances of landing lucrative budget flights with airlines such as Ryanair will be boosted.
A spokesman for the airport told the Echo that they expected the exception to be granted. He said: 'This would have added costs which may have led to additional charges to airlines. We are delighted that we will not be a party to this for at least 10 years.'
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