Durham Tees Valley Airport fears Heathrow flight cut over fees and open skies
16.08.07
Bosses at Durham Tees Valley Airport has expressed concern that a rise in charges for flights into London and the open skies agreement with the US that comes in to force next year could lead to a reduction in its services.
The Competition Commission is considering proposals from the Civil Aviation Authority on charges levied on regional airlines using Heathrow. There are fears these could be increased by up to 70%, and that this put a question mark over the viability of its daily bmi service to Heathrow.
There is further worry that the 'open skies' agreement will open up Heathrow to all European and US airlines on transatlantic routes, placing further pressure on the number of slots for UK regional services, which could be reallocated to more profitable long haul services.
Stockton North MP Frank Cook said the issue had massive implications for Teesside and the rest of the North East. He said: 'It would drive a coach and horses through government policies aimed at bridging the North-South divide. The loss of flights to the business world's international airport would come as a huge blow to the airport and the wider region.'
'We have to say to the Competition Commission and the Government that what really matters is the public interest. That demands ensuring a charging system which enables the maintenance of regional air services rather than letting them fall victim to a commercial free-for-all in the fight for transatlantic business.'
Hugh Lang, managing director of Durham Tees Valley Airport, said: 'We have made clear our concerns to the Competition Commission and urged them to consider measures which would ensure the protection of regional services, especially well-established links such as that from Durham Tees Valley which has been in place for over 37 years.'
He said that bmi had very serious concerns, particularly as charges had already risen by 43%.
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