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) new powers to ensure sufficient national air infrastructure, promoting better regional links.

Description

The Airports (Amendment) Bill introduces several key changes to the 1986 Act:

• New Direction Power for the Secretary of State: The Secretary of State gains the power to direct airport operators to take specific actions (or refrain from them) to improve air infrastructure between hub and regional airports. This is to ensure adequate national air connectivity.
• CAA Responsibilities Expanded: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must now consider the need for adequate services between hub and regional airports when making decisions. This includes when imposing conditions on airport operators.
• Definition of "Hub Airport": The bill defines a "hub airport" as one used for transferring passengers between flights to complete a journey.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs associated with implementing the new powers and responsibilities would likely fall under existing budgets for the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority. No specific financial impact is detailed in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Airport Operators: May face new directives from the Secretary of State and conditions from the CAA, potentially affecting their operations and investment decisions.
• Airlines: Could experience changes in flight scheduling and route options depending on the actions taken by the Secretary of State and CAA.
• Passengers: May benefit from improved flight options and connections between hub and regional airports, leading to increased accessibility and potentially lower fares.
• Regional Economies: Could see a positive economic impact from improved air connectivity, boosting tourism and business.
• The Secretary of State and the Civil Aviation Authority: Take on new responsibilities and powers related to air infrastructure planning and oversight.

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