Overview

This bill amends the Airports Act 1986 to improve air connectivity between major ("hub") and smaller ("regional") airports in the UK. It grants the Secretary of State and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) greater powers to ensure sufficient national air infrastructure.

Description

The Airports (Amendment) Bill adds new clauses to the 1986 Act, focusing on enhancing air travel connections between hub and regional airports. Key changes include:

• New powers for the Secretary of State: The Secretary of State gains the power to direct airport operators to take specific actions deemed necessary for maintaining sufficient national air infrastructure between hub and regional airports.
• CAA Responsibilities Expanded: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must now consider the need for adequate services between hub and regional airports when making decisions.
• Conditions Imposed by CAA: The CAA can impose conditions on airport operators to ensure sufficient national air infrastructure between hub and regional airports when granting licenses or permissions.
• Definition of "hub airport": The bill formally defines a "hub airport" as one used as a transfer point for passengers connecting flights.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify additional government spending. The cost implications will depend on the actions taken by the Secretary of State and the CAA to implement the new powers. Any enforcement or support measures could lead to increased expenditure.

Groups Affected

• Airport Operators: They will be subject to new directions and conditions from the Secretary of State and CAA, potentially impacting their operations and investment decisions.
• Airlines: The changes may influence flight scheduling and route planning to better connect hub and regional airports.
• Passengers: Could experience improved connectivity and potentially lower fares as a result of enhanced air services between different types of airports.
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): Their responsibilities and workload will increase due to the additional considerations and powers conferred by this bill.
• Secretary of State: Will assume greater responsibility for overseeing and directing the development of national air infrastructure.

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