The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into compensation for losses incurred by SEA Handling, an Italian groundhandling company operating at airports in Milan. The losses have been absorbed by the Italian authorities since 2002 through the public airport operator at Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports.
At this stage, the Commission doubts whether the compensation is compatible with EU state aid rules because it may create a serious distortion of competition on the groundhandling market, which is open to competition. In particular, the aid granted could prevent competitors from entering the groundhandling market at the major airports of Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate.
The opening of an inquiry allows other interested parties to comment on the measures under scrutiny. It in no way prejudges the outcome of the investigation.
