The 'open skies' policy which takes effect from mar 08 will allow airlines to fly from anywhere in the EU to the US, without limitations and very minimum controls.

It has been reported that Ryan Air may capitalise on this freedom to fly to secondary airports from its bases in the EU. The one way fare? From as low as USD 12, cheaper than the taxi fare from LHR to the city.

This may have a strong impact on long hauls arrival from Europe to the far east. Unless the Low Cost Carriers in Asia can develop a similar pricing mechanism, the convenient will see a further drop in EU arrivals.