Brussels, July 20:

EU airlines will be forced to publish the full cost of flights, ending the practice of concealing hidden extras behind ‘cheap’ offers, and banned from charging passengers more in one country than another. These points are according to plans to be announced by the European commission today.

Jacques Barrot, the EU transport commissioner, is to propose that airlines publicise full fares, including taxes, charges and booking and credit card fees on their websites and in adverts and will accuse flag carriers and low-cost airlines of concealing their real prices.

“Nowadays, too often passengers are confused by apparently attractive fares which turn out to be much higher at the moment of payment,” he will say before outlining his plans for a comprehensive liberalisation of EU commercial aviation.

The proposals, simplifying and modernising regulations dating from 1991, would come into force in autumn 2007 if they are approved by MEPs and the 25 national governments.

They are further evidence of the commission’s pro-consumer approach over issues such as overseas mobile phone calls.

The plans face fierce opposition from airlines and ministers, particularly as Barrot is also proposing new powers to revoke operating licences, tougher controls on the ‘public service obligation’ giving airlines special treatment on services to far-flung destinations, and a ban on governments setting fixed prices for the use of their airports.