Press Release: Commission authorises, subject to conditions, public service obligations on air routes to Sardinia

The Commission has decided to authorise Italy's introduction of public service obligations (PSOs) on 16 routes linking Sardinia's three airports to the principal airports on the Italian mainland, but subject to conditions in order to avoid restrictions on the launch of new air services. The Commission considers that it is for Italy to assess Sardinian residents' mobility needs, taking into account Sardinia's island nature and economic situation, and that PSOs may prove necessary. Nevertheless, the Commission points out that any restriction on the freedom to provide services must be duly justified and be in proportion to real needs. It has therefore asked Italy to amend several aspects of the current PSOs and has drawn attention to the principles which Member States must follow when applying them.