MP calls for Heathrow flights protection
05.12.07
Flights linking Durham Tees Valley Airport with Heathrow should be protected despite concerns about the environment, a local MP has urged. Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson told the Commons the route was vital for the North East's economy.
The airport has said there is doubt over bmi's daily service between Durham Tees Valley and Heathrow. It is feared that a rise in charges for flights into the London airport could lead to a reduction in services from the North East hub.
Mr Wilson, who took over the Sedgefield seat from Tony Blair, said: 'It is very important that this air route stays in place. It is vital to the region's economy. We need to be in a position to invite business to the area because 40% of people using the flights are from the business community.'
'bmi have said they could withdraw flights from Teesside to Heathrow and we want to make sure we protect that route. The government is looking at this and I want to ensure that as much pressure as possible is put on ministers and that we can prove a viable business case.'
bmi said yesterday that they will launch flights between Heathrow and the US in 2009 to 'maximise the value' of their Heathrow slots. Unless the London hub is given permission to expand, it would appear that this route, along with many other routes to regional airports from Heathrow, are under real threat.
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book a durham tees valley airport hotel or durham tees valley airport car parking at the lowest price click on these links to durham tees valley airport parking and durham tees valley airport hotels price comparison websites.
