Robin Hood chief springs to defence of regional airports

The Yorkshire Post yesterday reported comments made by the chief executive of Birmingham Airport, Paul Kehoe, in which he questioned the value of smaller enterprises like Doncaster and Durham.

But Steve Gill, the managing director at Robin Hood, said Government policy on air passenger duty (APD) and other economic factors had caused problems, but defended regional sites.

Mr Gill added: “Some smaller regional airports are operating in a competitive and challenging environment.

“The escalation of APD and fuel costs combined with a double dip recession has seen many airlines become risk averse and retreat to larger airports which they regard as ‘safe havens’.

“The lack of a clear UK aviation framework and Government procrastination has also meant that aviation industry in the UK has stalled if not regressed. Our European counterparts have cut or abolished APD and promoted the airport development.

“Under these circumstances the larger UK airports are obviously better placed to compete on a global scale and are using their position to both lobby and position their airports as key gateways. Suggesting smaller airports are not needed is part of this.”

Robin Hood airport saw passenger numbers peak at more than one million in 2007, but that figure dropped to 693,000 last year.

Mr Gill added: “Should the UK fall into the trap of supporting only large airports, it will lead to 
a monopolistic arena where
the regions that do contain airports will develop while others suffer.

“The government and regional bodies should be supporting regional airports which facilitate inward investment and economic opportunity.”