Belgian airlines to receive further tranche of state aid via airport subsidies

The Belgian government is to give up to €19 million in indirect state aid to three airlines – Jetairfly, Brussels Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines. Belgian media stated that the subsidies will exempt the three Belgian airlines from paying for the Brussels National Airport’s fire and security services, among other airport costs. To qualify for the subsidy, the airlines must have transported at least 400,000 passengers during 2012. However, other operators at the airport, including Ryanair, have complained to the European Commission on the basis that the funds constitute illegal state aid. Ryanair has also threatened legal action against any