Europe's regional airports struggle as traffic shifts to hubs

[BERLIN] Dozens of small European airports, which blossomed with the advent of no-frills flying, face cutbacks or even closure as traditional airlines become more competitive and regulators clamp down on state aid.

After years of suffering at the hands of budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet, carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France have cut costs and consolidated to close the price gap on short-haul European routes.

In response, low-cost carriers are offering more flights to airport hubs used by their rejuvenated rivals, which are more convenient for city centres and transport links. Ryanair, for example, has stepped up services at Rome's Fiumicino.