Dec. 01--BRUSSELS -- The European Union on Thursday unveiled plans to increase competition at airports, warning that half of all European flights could face delays by 2030 because of congestion.
"The status quo is not an option for airports in Europe," EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said. "If we do not change the way we do business, we may not be doing business at all."
Kallas wants to have airlines trade slots and allow more companies to offer ground-handling services, among other competition-boosting methods. He is also proposing that the commission be able to weigh in on noise-limiting flight restrictions at airports.
"Decisions on cutting noise levels have to balance protection for citizens living close to airports against the needs of those who wish to travel," Kallas said. "It is necessary to take into account costs in terms of lost capacity and the impact on economic growth."
Five European airports are already operating at capacity, according to the commission: Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Milan Linate.
It predicted that if nothing changes, it will be 19 airports by 2030, including major international hubs such as Paris.
EU member states and the European Parliament have to approve the airport proposals for them to become law. They could be amended in the process.
Copyright 2011 - dpa, Berlin
