NEWS FLASH

The Slovenian Ministry for Infrastructure has told EX-YU Aviation News it is currently preparing a tenth public tender aimed at encouraging airlines to introduce new subsidised routes to the country, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s air connectivity. Call for interest is expected in the new year. In previous rounds, carriers such as Luxair, airBaltic, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Iberia, Eurowings, Air Albania and Cyprus Airways submitted applications, although the latter was disqualified for failing to provide complete documentation. The state provides subsidies covering up to 50% of airport charges for a maximum of two years from the start of operations. Unlike a direct discount, carriers must first pay the full airport fees and will then be reimbursed upon submitting invoices. Aid cannot be combined with subsidies from other states for the same route. If an airline ceases operations without fulfilling obligations, the financial support must be repaid in full.