Open skies threat to regional airports

A north-east councillor has voiced concerns that the EU and US's open skies deal could jeopardise the UK's regional airports.

UKIP councillor Stephen Allison believes slots linking Heathrow with regional airports may be handed over to US airlines to maximise profits.

The landing slots used for domestic flights to airports such as Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley could potentially be cut in favour of revenue boosting transatlantic flights.

He said: "The open skies announcement is great news to the transatlantic business traveller but potentially at the expense of regional airports and the passengers who use them.

"The European Union and Tony Blair's new Labour government once again show their real priorities are on the side of big business. The interests of people in regions like the north-east come well down the scale."

He added that regional airports were a plus point for UK cities and the new deal could turn out to be disastrous.

The fears have led to increased speculation over a new third runway at Heathrow Airport, which could potentially help to maintain links to regional airports.