Aer Rianta has expressed surprise and disappointment at indications that airport charges could fall by about 10 per cent. Emmet Oliver reports.

According to a paper published yesterday by Mr Bill Prasifka, the Commissioner for Aviation Regulation, the maximum charge allowed per passenger at Aer Rianta could fall to €7.56 from €8.48.

At Dublin Airport, the maximum airport charge could fall to €4.89 from €5.45. But Mr Prasifka described the figures as "illustrative". The regulator has announced his intention to review his determination on airport charges made in 2001. He said the paper, including the figures, "illustrate the potential impact of a series of proposals on the maximum level of airport charges for the remainder of the regulator period, which runs until September 2006".

While Mr Prasifka strongly emphasised the figures were preliminary and subject to a detailed consultation process, the reaction from Aer Rianta was negative.

A statement said: "Aer Rianta is surprised and disappointed by the proposals published by the aviation regulator this evening. The airport charges levied by Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports are already very low compared to unsubsidised international airports of similar size and traffic patterns."

Mr Prasifka and his staff said technical adjustments and revised passenger forecasts were the main factors pushing the maximum per passenger charge downward.

Airlines and Aer Rianta have until December 8th to make submissions to Mr Prasifka. Aer Rianta said it would be taking part in this process but it warned of the consequences if the figures remained unchanged.

"It must be pointed out at this stage that any reduction in the maximum recoverable airport charges at Dublin Airport will force Aer Rianta to cut back significantly on developing and improving the airport's facilities and to focus increasingly on essential repair and maintenance. This will have inevitable and regrettable consequences for the airport's growth potential, passenger comfort and airline turnaround times," its statement said.

Meanwhile, Mr Prasifka and his team defended the commission's performance over recent years. Low-cost airline Ryanair previously accused the commission of failing to drive charges down. Mr Cathal Guiomard, head of economic affairs at the commission, said charges were far higher when the commission began its work and significant reductions had taken place.