Strasbourg - Europe's largest airports would need transparent coordination of their fees and regulations under legislation approved by the European Parliament Thursday.

The move drew immediate criticism from the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA), which argued that legislators missed a chance to set limits on airport monopolies.

General Secretary John Hanlon said the new law would do nothing more than burden airports and airlines with more administrative burdens.

"This is the last thing that the industry in Europe needs right now," he said.

His organization represents companies like Ryanair and Easyjet.

The new rules will apply to airports that handle more than 5 million passengers a year or to the largest airport in a given country.

The rules would apply to 69 airports across the European Union.

Airports would be blocked from charging different fees for different airlines.

The legislation will also require standardized guidelines for take-offs and landings, baggage handling, noise protection and procedures for transporting passengers between terminals and airplanes.

The proposal must be approved by the 27 EU members within the next two years. (dpa)