Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of Heathrow Airport’s passenger charges on the (a) affordability and (b) viability of regional connectivity for those travelling from (i) Scotland and (ii) other parts of the UK.

The Government supports regional air connectivity, including from Scotland and other parts of the UK, through a range of measures such as Public Service Obligations. However, the operation of individual air services, including those serving Heathrow, remains primarily a commercial matter for airlines based on market conditions.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has a statutory duty to further the interests of users of air transport services. The CAA takes account of the impact of passenger charges on consumers when setting the regulatory framework for Heathrow, including ensuring that charges are justified and support the range and quality of airport operation services at Heathrow.