Airport chiefs criticise passenger tax plans

AIRPORT bosses have slammed Government proposals to raise passenger taxes and called on ministers to charge more at London terminals to “level the national playing field” on aviation.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Nov 2011, 08:58 BST

The Department of Transport launched a consultation in March on a series of measures officials said would provide a “sustainable framework for UK aviation” and asked airports to respond.

Yesterday, Craig Richmond, the chief executive of Peel Airports which runs Doncaster’s Robin Hood airport, and John Parkin, chief executive at Leeds Bradford Airport, both said that the Government needed to change its thinking to ensure the survival of regional terminals.

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They said they were disappointed the strategy did not address concerns over increases in air passenger duty, or worries over an EU tax on emissions, which could damage regional airports.

A DfT spokesman said: “We want to see a successful and competitive aviation industry which supports economic growth and addresses aviation’s environmental impacts.

“Over recent months we have been engaged in a dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders on the future direction of aviation policy. We will issue a public consultation next year.”

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Related topics:LondonGovernmentLeeds Bradford AirportRobin HoodDoncaster