Airports across the UK have once again been let down by the UK Government as it fails to recognise the dire situation facing airports and has yet to offer financial support targeted specifically at airports.
Following the unveiling of the UK Chancellor’s Winter Economic Plan, the Airport Operator Association’s (AOA’s) Chief Executive, Karen Dee, said that, “For months and months, the aviation industry has called for targeted support, but still nothing is forthcoming. The government appears blind to the scale and urgency of the crisis facing the UK’s airports.”
Throughout the pandemic, UK airports have had to effectively shutdown to commercial traffic, leaving them with in some cases 99% fewer passengers almost overnight. Dee highlighted that even with the existing government support, the loss of revenue is enormous.
She warned of, “Significant financial and job losses throughout the UK’s network of regional airports,” as she pointed out that projections by the AOA show that up to 110,000 airport and airport related jobs are at risk.
Underlining the need for testing to be introduced to help get the industry back up and running again, Dee said that, “The continued dithering and delay on testing by government must end with the introduction of a robust testing system without any further delays.
“Airports across the UK need help now to survive the challenging winter months including business rates relief for airports in England and Wales, continuation of VAT-free sales airside, funding for the CAA, a temporary suspension of APD and a longer-term package of financial support that promotes, protects and enhances our global connectivity as our sector looks towards the long journey to recovery.
“The future of UK connectivity and global Britain is being put at risk by the continued lack of action from the government it is essential that they deliver this support and deliver it now.”
