Austria has to defend its minimum ticket price offer

Austria's plans to set a minimum ticket price have raised concerns in the European Union (EU). The Austrian Green Party, a younger partner of the governing coalition, announced last June plans to introduce a minimum ticket price of 40 euros.

Support for traditional airlines

This step is clearly aimed at supporting the competitiveness of "traditional" airlines, which have higher prices than low - cost carriers. "The European Commission now" expects to receive more detailed information from the Austrian authorities on the exact content of the planned measures, "a spokesman for the executive in Brussels said this week during a discussion on environmental policy. The Austrian Ministry of the Environment and Transport has not yet responded to the request for an opinion.

High emission charges

Large European airlines, such as Lufthansa and Air France-KLM, which face high emissions charges aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, argue that minimum charges should be paid instead of minimum tickets. Austria presented its proposal last year after providing € 600 million in aid to Austrian Airlines, a daughter of Lufthansa. However, EU airlines are guaranteed the right to "free pricing" within the bloc. "The Commission supports measures to promote the greening of aviation and transport in general that are compatible with internal market rules," an EU spokesman said. He added that the Commission would verify that Austria's proposals were in line with common EU rules and, if necessary, enter into a dialogue with the Austrian authorities.