Bulgarian Govt to EC: Sofia Airport Already Taken Care Of

Bulgaria's Transport Ministry has issued a statement saying the regulation changes with respect to the Sofia Airport had already been implemented in the past months.

The ministry statement came after on Thursday the European Commission launched an infringement procedure against Bulgaria over violations of EU anti-monopoly laws with respect to the regulations of service providers at Sofia Airport. The Commission has requested from Bulgaria to ensure fair access to ground handling market at its major international airport.

The Bulgarian government claims, however, that in June 2010 the Civil Administration Aviation revoked the previous restrictions.

With respect to the accusations of monopoly in fuel supply to the airport, the Transport Ministry says that Sofia Airport EAD is not the only company licensed for such activities.

The institution further claims that there are no restrictions in place on ground handling at the Sofia International Airport, and that "there are conditions for competition among the supplies of this kind of service."

It says that since January 2010, a total of 21 licenses have been issued to three companies for performing 8 different kinds of services at Sofia Airport.

The European Commission is yet to react to the refutation of its accusations by the Bulgarian Transport Ministry.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!