Government to stop subsidies on London airport VIP suites

VIP suites based at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, which are generally used by travelling diplomats, will no longer be funded by the taxpayer, it has been revealed.

According to the Press Association, the government is to stop subsidising the lounges set aside for foreign politicians and ambassadors and will instead, leave them in the hands of airport operator BAA.

The news agency today said that foreign secretary David Miliband plans to implement the decision on April 1st and trial the new system for 12 months.

Currently, taxpayers spend £2 million on subsidising the suits at the capital's two major airports.

Meanwhile, the importance of London Heathrow as a travel hub was highlighted today after US-based Continental Airlines paid a record sum for the use of four pairs of take-off and landing slots at the airport.

According to the Financial Times, the airline has already paid $116 million (£15 million) for use of the slots over the summer break and will be adding an extra $93 million to this sum for the slots this winter.