The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has criticized the decision by the French government to allow airport operator Aéroports de Paris (ADP) to continue increasing airport charges for each year of the 2016-2020 period.
The French government’s decision ignores the recommendation of the independent Airport Consultative Commission which concluded that the public interest would be best served by using terminal retail activities to implement annual decreases in charges to airlines over the 2016-2020 period.
Tony Tyler, director general and CEO, IATA, said, “Connectivity is critical to modern economies. France is no exception. And making it more expensive at a time when improving competitiveness is a fundamental concern just does not add up. With this decision air travelers will have to reach deeper into their wallets to travel to, from and within France. In parallel, every business that in any way relies on global markets takes a hit as well. I urge the government to reconsider.
“With a sound development plan and the reintegration of the income from retail activities at the airports, user charges could be substantially decreasing every year. France’s airport infrastructure is a national asset that should be nurtured for the broad economic benefits that it catalyzes. It is deeply disappointing that the government chose to ignore this golden opportunity for a winning solution in favor of a decision that will make travel more expensive for French business and tourism.”
