EC rules they are state aid
France is to put an end to the differentiated airport charges it levied on domestic flights and those from countries in the Schengen area.
The European Commission had ruled that the different charges amounted to state aid which is against the Commission's internal market.
The EC has now accepted French plans to end these differentiated charges.
Ryanair which made the complaint about the charges to the EC welcomed the decision.
In its ruling, the EC said the differentiation in charges was financed by state aid.
"It gives an advantage to airlines operating domestic flights in France.It might distort competition and affect trade. The differentiation in passenger charges therefore constitutes State aid," the Commission said.
While France abolished the difference at all its airports last year except those in Paris.
These will now fall into line from April 1.
The Commission added that French airports can use differentiated tariffs for member states outside the Schengen area "only if it is justified on the grounds that the costs of infrastructure use vary according to type of flight."
Ryanair has complained that the differentiated charges amounted to €1bn state aid to Air France.
The carrier's spokesman, Jim Callaghan said the ruling was a "significant victory for European consumers and low fares airlines."
http://ec.europa.eu/ www.ryanair.com