Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of Heathrow expansion on passenger charges, airline ticket prices and the competitiveness of regional airports.

The Government recognises the importance of keeping air travel affordable for passengers and airlines. Heathrow's airport charges are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which has a statutory duty to further the interests of users of air transport services. In setting Heathrow's regulatory framework, the CAA considers the impact of airport charges on consumers and seeks to ensure that such charges are justified.

The Government also supports competition across the UK aviation sector, including at regional airports, and supports regional air connectivity through a range of measures, such as Public Service Obligations. The potential impacts of Heathrow expansion on passengers, airlines and connectivity are considered through the relevant regulatory and planning processes. Relevant analysis was published alongside the consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, including forecasts of passenger numbers and aircraft movements.