§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make a decision regarding air service access to regional airports. [35424]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonLiberalisation of air services agreements to permit the operation of international services to regional airports is considered during many air services talks. Air services within the European Economic Area are already fully liberal. The airlines of a further 66 countries have access to any regional point in the UK, and the airlines of a further 21 countries have access to some regional points.
We are reviewing the responses to the informal consultation on international access to regional airports and are also mindful of the current deliberations of the Environment and Transport Select Committee on access to regional airports. A decision will be made when all the relevant information and advice has been considered.