AUC say growth at regional airports 'inevitable'
02.10.07
The Air Transport Users Council (AUC), the UK’s consumer aviation watchdog, has dismissed suggestions that growth at regional air airports is attributable to the decreasing popularity of larger airports such as Heathrow. It says that the expansion at smaller UK airports was 'inevitable.'
Hubs such as Newcastle Airport have enjoyed consistent growth in the last 5 - 10 years as low-cost airlines offer more extensive routes that are attractive to local people. In addition to budget airline routes, the airport has also attracting long haul routes and full service airlines, with Emirates launching flights to Dubai last month.
Some reports have put the growth at regional airports down to passenger dissatisfaction at large bases like Heathrow. However, James Fremantle from the AUC disagreed that this has been a factor in the expansion of local airports.
He said: 'I think the growth of regional airports was inevitable with the liberalisation of the air transport industry in the 1990's. The good economy also helped as more passengers can afford to fly and fly from more often.'
'I don't think Heathrow is the cause. Passengers want to go direct rather than having to connect via another airport, as that just saves time and money.'
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