CILT was asked to appear before the Transport Select Committee in January for an oral hearing concerning the topic of smaller airports. The Transport Select Committee has today published the report’s findings.

Paul Le Blond FCILT, Chair, CILT Aviation Forum is quoted in the report expressing: ‘Smaller airports vary in terms of financial viability, but there are a number which are not and probably never will be profitable. There are some regions where there are more airports than are really needed, and where the case for public financial support is not strong. An airport cannot survive if airlines and other aircraft operators do not want to use it.’

CILT's evidence had said that some airports may have to revert to general aviation or find alternative uses for their land.

The report identifies how Air Passenger Duty affects the smaller airports sector and also examines how smaller airports might benefit from airport expansion in the south-east.

The report also explores how the Government can support regional connectivity and calls on the DfT to assess whether some new slots could be ring-fenced to support regional connectivity.

To view the report in full, visit: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmselect/cmtran/713/713.pdf