Brussels Airlines (SN, Brussels National) has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission concerning state aid provided to Brussels Charleroi airport in the form of subsidised taxes, the airline has confirmed to ch-aviation.

The grievance pertains to "terminal navigation charges" (TNCs), a fee airspace manager, Skeyes, collects for each take-off. While airlines operating at Brussels National are required to contribute a portion of this payment; at regional airports like Charleroi, the entire amount is covered by the authorities.

"We can confirm that Brussels Airlines lodged a formal state aid complaint with the European Commission, requesting the restoration of a level playing field in the Belgian air transport market," an airline spokeswoman said in a statement shared with ch-aviation.

"Brussels Airlines, for example, expresses serious concerns about the exemption of the terminal navigation charges (TNC) at Brussels South Charleroi Airport resulting in an unfair advantage for users [of the airport]. We don’t ask for any exceptional or favourable treatment, we just request a level playing field in the Belgian air transport market."

According to reports by Brussels Times and Belga News Agency, the Lufthansa Group subsidiary's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dorothea von Boxberg, has expressed concerns about the apparent lack of equitable treatment between regional airports and Brussels Airport.

She said the disparity was particularly harmful to Brussels Airlines in the face of competition from low-cost carriers like Ryanair (FR, Dublin International), the primary operator at Charleroi airport.

Although informal discussions have attempted to address the issue, Brussels Airlines now believes the situation is too detrimental to its interests. The airline is hopeful the European Commission's investigation will result in a "level playing field" by appropriately imposing taxes at different airports, thereby restoring balance and fairness in the aviation industry.

According to the ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Operator Capacity Data module, Ryanair has more than 80% market share in terms of weekly airline seats at Charleroi Airport.