ACCC seeks comment on proposed increases in prices for regional airlines serving NSW.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today released an issues paper seeking comment from interested parties on Sydney Airport's proposal to increase prices it charges to regional airlines that serve passengers travelling within New South Wales.

Sydney Airport has stated that it intends to increase prices by a maximum of 2.9 per cent, which Sydney Airport estimates represents an increase of about $4.70 for each aircraft movement.

Under the prices surveillance provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974, the ACCC has a role in assessing proposed price increases for services that Sydney Airport provides to regional airlines operating regular passenger flights wholly within New South Wales.

To assist the ACCC's consideration of the proposed price increases, submissions are invited from interested parties on key issues. Submissions should reach the ACCC by 30 July 2010.

Sydney Airport's price notification and supporting documents, the ACCC's issues paper and submissions received will be available on the ACCC's website at www.accc.gov.au/aviation.