A day after fining Ryanair for violating anti-competition rules, the European Union head office began drafting EU-wide rules on subsidies low-cost airlines can receive from small regional airports.

AIRLINES, including Aer Lingus, have been accused of charging passengers different fares for flights depending on where they live.

British Airways and 17 other European airlines have been given two months to explain their Internet ticket sales practices after the EC received complaints from passengers.

THE Shannon stopover could officially end this summer with the Government preparing to break the agreement with the US that ensures regular landings at the international airport.

The collision of two planes over Germany underlines the need to create a single European air traffic control system, the European Union's head office says.