Airport tax threat worries universities

Oct 5 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

UNIVERSITIES in the North East could be hit hard if the Government presses ahead with plans to hike aviation taxes.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) is set to rise in November and again next year and business leaders say this could lead to vital routes in and out of the region being axed.

Diminished connectivity would deliver a crushing blow to the regional economy and that is why The Journal launched its A Tax Too Far campaign.

We are urging Downing Street to re-think the new charges, which are touted as a green tax, despite the fact the industry already more the covers the cost of its environmental impact.

We have told of the several ways in which the North East could suffer as a direct result of APD increases, which will see £40 added to the price of some individual tickets and family holiday costing as much as £300 more than they currently do.

And today, we shine a light on the benefit the region’s academic institutions receive through the strong air links provided by Newcastle International and Durham Tees Valley Airports.

Jonathan Ray, spokesman for Newcastle’s Northumbria University, said: “Northumbria University is one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom and a top ten recruiter of international students.

“Our links in China, Hong Kong and India are especially strong, and this year more than 3,300 undergraduates and postgraduates travelled to our campuses from more than 140 countries.

“Furthermore, we have 3,500 students enrolled on high quality Northumbria degree courses in their own nations, with strong two-way connections and visiting staff.