Airports and ground handling operators will soon be compensated for the losses suffered due to the pandemic and the consequent travel restrictions decided by Italy and other countries. The European Commission in fact approved yesterday, July 26, a plan promoted by Italy which provides for compensation for a total amount of 800 million euros.
Airports and ground handling service operators in possession of a valid operating license issued by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) who have suffered damage between 1 March and 14 July 2020 will have access to compensation.
The European Commission considered the aid provided for by the Italian plan to be justified and proportional and gave the green light following a fruitful and continuous dialogue with the Italian Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility (MIMS) and with the Permanent Representation which carried out a fundamental coordinating role. Thanks to the intense work of all parties involved, the approval process was completed faster than expected, thus allowing one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic to begin to start looking more confidently to the future.
For more information, the full press release from the European Commission is available here.
