Italy would benefit if struggling airline Alitalia were allowed to die, a group of low-fare airlines said in a letter to the European Commission this week.
The European Low Fares Airlines Association (ELFAA) criticised the European Union executive for approving a €400 million state-backed bridge loan to the ailing airline, saying the aid hurt competition.
"This further state intervention will increase the distortion of competition on the market for air transport services to and from Italy," it said in an August 10th letter.
"The Italian economy and society would in fact benefit from Alitalia going out of the market and allowing more efficient operators entry into what is now a highly distorted market."
ELFAA represents no-frills carriers such as Ryanair, Air Berlin and Basiq Air, which all fly to Italy.
The European Commission last month approved the loan backed by the Italian government but said the money-losing airline must have a turnaround or liquidation plan ready within six months.
Alitalia employs more than 22,000 people.