Regional airport growth 'inevitable'

The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) has dismissed suggestions that growth at regional air hubs is attributable to the decreasing popularity of Heathrow Airport, saying that expansion at smaller bases was "inevitable".

Hubs such as Newcastle Airport have enjoyed consistent growth in recent years as low-cost airlines offer more extensive services to local people.

According to reports large bases like Heathrow are not as popular as smaller, regional hubs, but James Fremantle disagreed with the idea that this has been a factor in the expansion of local airports.

"I think the growth of regional airports was inevitable with the liberalisation of the air transport industry in the 1990s," Mr Fremantle said.

"The good economy also helped as more passengers can afford to fly and fly from different airports. I don't think Heathrow is the cause."

Commenting on the particular reasons behind the rising popularity of local airports, the AUC spokesperson added: "Passengers want to go direct rather than having to connect via another airport, as that just saves time and money."