Commenting on the decision by Heathrow Airport to develop a regional pricing structure, Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay said:
“The Scottish Government warmly welcomes Heathrow Airport's plans to develop a regional pricing structure. This was one of the key issues highlighted in the Scottish Government's response to the Airports Commission.
“Regional pricing would help maintain key links between Scotland and London and would also encourage greater competition on these routes, ensuring passengers get the best ticket prices possible. We hope this move will incentivise other airlines to take up the slots being vacated by Virgin when they stop their domestic services in September so that tourists can easily connect to Scotland through this World Hub from long haul services.
“Whilst we remain impartial in terms of the Airports Commission's work on increased capacity at Heathrow and Gatwick, we reiterate our desire for a defined minimum level of access for flights from Scotland to ensure we adequately benefit from any new capacity.
“We could also take action now to protect our existing routes and secure new ones with the transfer of powers over Air Passenger Duty to the Scottish Parliament. This has already been agreed through the Smith Commission and we once again call for the UK Government to make that happen as quickly as possible.”
