OPEN SKIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to regional air services and recognises the important role that regional airports play in the creation of jobs and prosperity; notes with concern the increasing problem of congestion at Heathrow and Gatwick airports and the growing pressure of development in the South-East; welcomes the limited extension by this Government of 3rd and 4th Freedom rights, but believes that this does not go far enough; and calls for a fully liberalised unilateral Open Skies policy for regional airports, including 5th Freedoms, which would assist airports in attracting new services, including more long-haul scheduled flights, and lead to new investment and sustainable growth in the regions and a reduction in congestion in the South-East.