The support is used for the operational activities of the airport. The funding is part of the support package for Eastern Finland, which the country’s government agreed on last fall.
The subsidy of 500,000 euros granted by the Ministry of Labor and Economy is necessary for Lappeenranta airport.
Support fills the airport’s funding shortfall this year. The money is used for the operational activities of the airport. Operational activities include, for example, air traffic control, maintenance, check-in and security checks.
The annual budget of the foundation and the airport is 1.8 million euros. The city’s financial contribution is 1.3 million euros.
Funding must be applied for from the county association
The Ministry of Labor and the Economy granted support for the development of tourism in Lappeenranta, but in practice the money goes to the airport. Airports cannot be supported directly from the state budget due to EU regulations.
Funding still needs to be applied for from the South Karelia Association.
– We are waiting for more information from the union on how to apply for funding, says Väyrynen.
The funding is part of the support package for Eastern Finland, which the country’s government agreed on last fall.
The city of Lappeenranta, on the other hand, is trying to reform the payment method of the airport subsidy. The purpose is that the capital loans paid to the airport will be moved towards a support model that requires the approval of the EU Commission.
The matter is being investigated.