Partner Article

Durham Tees Valley introduces passenger charge

A MAJOR Airline has responded with caution in response to a regional airport’s decision to introduce a passenger charge.

Passengers at Durham Tees Valley airport were yesterday told that they will be charged £6 as the airport tries to generate £500,000 to safeguard its future.

Passengers departing from Durham Tees Valley Airport will now pay the fee at machines in the terminal, which issue tickets enabling them to pass through security and into departure areas.

A spokesperson for Eastern Airways, which departs 32 times a week from the airport, said: “We’ll continue to monitor the situation to see what effect is has on our passenger loads.”

Similar schemes have already been introduced at other UK airports including Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich.

The airport’s owner, Peel Airports, said it did not want to charge customers but it was the only way to safeguard its future.

Peel Airports, Chief Executive Craig Richmond, said: “It is not something we want to do - this is a great regional airport with a lot of support - but it is a tough time and when you see your passengers drop off by between 30 and 40%, you have to do something to stabilise the finances.”

“But I think people will pay it, if they are from this community, because they know it is such an important facility.

“I remain optimistic that the airport has a bright long-term future provided we can meet the current challenges.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .