Britain's major airports to be improved

Date: 21/7/2010

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced a raft of proposals designed to improve Britain's major airports.

The framework for regulating travel hubs will be restructured and the Civil Aviation Authority will now focus on promoting the interests of passengers.

It is hoped the measures will enhance airports - rather than extend them - encourage competition and persuade investment.

Mr Hammond said the reform of regulation is urgently needed as the current economic legislation dates back to 1986 and now it is time to put those using the facilities first.

"We have already announced that we do not support the building of new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted. We want to make those airports better, not bigger," he added.

Mr Hammond also noted plans will include building modern facilities, along with new baggage-handling systems.

Last week, Sue Ockwell from the Association of Independent Tour Operators claimed budget flights has caused air travel to rise unsustainably.

Posted by Mary Treen