EU approves €1.7B state aid for Berlin airport

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - The European Commission on Tuesday announced its approval of Germany's €1.7 billion ($1.91) plan to recapitalize Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg airport as part of the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Airports have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus outbreak and the travel restrictions in place. With this measure, Germany will contribute to reinforcing Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg's equity position and help the company face the economic effects of the outbreak," Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

"At the same time, the public support will come with strings attached to limit undue distortions of competition. We continue working in close cooperation with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place as quickly and effectively as possible, in line with EU rules," she added.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt, located south of the capital Berlin, opened for commercial traffic in October 2020, in the midst of the pandemic that severely hit global air travel.