#StateAid: European Commission approves public service compensation to Inverness airport in the UK
The European Commission has found public service compensation granted to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) for the operation of Inverness (IATA: INV) airport to be in line with EU state aid rules
The public funding will contribute to the area's economic and social development, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market.
In particular, the Commission has concluded that the compensation allows for the provision of a genuine service of general economic interest, as the airport not only provides air access to the Highlands of Scotland, but is also an access point for some of Scotland's most remote islands, in particular the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands and the Western Isles.
The compensation is granted for five years to HIAL, a company wholly owned by the Scottish Government. This Commission decision will apply until the UK ceases to be a member of the EU.
The non-confidential version of the current decision will be published under the case number SA.45692 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved
