Regional air carriers and airports play a vital role in providing connectivity for communities, regions and nations across the United Kingdom. Flybe is Europe’s largest regional carrier and flies many important regional routes within the UK.
The Government is committed to levelling up all regions of the UK and this includes supporting regional connectivity. Indeed, Ministers want to ensure that all corners of the country drive the economy, and fully benefit from prosperity in years to come.
I understand that the Department for Transport will undertake a review of regional connectivity to make sure that communities across the country have the domestic transport connections that they need, including regional services from local airports. The Department will work alongside the regions, devolved nations and the aviation industry to identify how central Government could support connectivity.
In addition, prior to the March Budget, the Treasury will conduct a review of Air Passenger Duty to make sure that regional connectivity is supported, while at the same time ensuring it meets the UK’s climate change commitments to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
I am confident that these reviews will be of benefit to passengers, communities, regions and nations, as well as the industry, across the UK.
Last updated January 2020