OREANDA-NEWS. On June 23, 2009 the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) fined "Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC more than 19 million Rubles for abusing dominant position under Article 14.31 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Violations, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

On 19th September 2008 the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) found that "Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC violated Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition" (abusing dominant position) because it had unreasonably evaded entering into contracts. A determination was not issued because "Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC voluntarily eliminated the antimonopoly violation.

The case against "Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC was initiated upon a petition of "Siberia" Airlines". FAS Russia saw the elements of violating Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition" in evading contracts for ground and airport handling of "Siberia" aircrafts in Yekaterinburg airport.

"Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC is a natural monopoly abd has dominant position on the market of airport services in Yekaterinburg airport. Unreasonably evading contracts with airlines for ground aircraft handing, "Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC violated the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition" because it infringed the interests of airlines.

As "Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC voluntarily eliminated the antimonopoly violations, FAS Russia did not issue a determination and simply recognised the fact of violating the antimonopoly legislation by the company.

"Koltsovo" Airport" OJSC appealed the FAS Russia's decision to the Moscow Arbitration Court and than to the Appeal Instance. The Courts, however, confirmed validity of the decision made by the antimonopoly authority.