Jetairfly (Brussels National) along with Brussels Airlines (SN, Brussels National) and Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium (Brussels National) are under investigation by the European Commission (EC) for their access to EUR19million in indirect Belgian government subsidies spanning the last three years.

The EC says it wants to determine whether or not funds granted by Belgium to the operator of Brussels National, Brussels Airport Company, for disbursement to airlines which have carried more than 400'000 passengers departing from the airport in 2012, violate existing European laws governing state funding.

The subsidy amounts to EUR19million annually and has been granted for three years (2013, 2014 and 2015). Of the three carriers, Brussels Airlines has been the biggest beneficiary.

"Besides, after having examined the comments submitted by Belgium following the opening of the in-depth investigation, the Commission may adopt a decision requiring Belgium to suspend the aid until the Commission has taken a decision on the compatibility of the aid with the internal market," the EC said.

At the time of disbursement, Brussels stated the subsidies were to exempt the three Belgian airlines from paying for fire and security services among others.