TRANSPORT chiefs last night criticised proposals to merge Heathrow and Gatwick as potentially damaging to the region.

Bosses from Newcastle International Airport questioned how “Heathwick” plans would benefit the North East, instead urging the Government to re-balance the economy by helping regional airports grow.

Officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) are understood to be looking at plans to create a linked hub, bringing the UK’s two leading airports together, under the code name Heathwick. Graeme Mason, planning and corporate affairs director at Newcastle International Airport, yesterday said instead of pouring money into the project, the government should consider using tax to encourage more traffic to head to the regions.

Mr Mason said: “We were surprised to read about the proposal to merge London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Both airports are operating near capacity and by separate companies. Where will the extra capacity come from to create this new hub? How will it benefit the rest of the UK?

“We urge the Government to look at creative solutions to make best use of the infrastructure we already have, and to support the re-balancing of the UK economy. That would truly deliver ‘better not bigger’ airports, not just for London but for the UK as a whole. If the Government is serious about truly re-balancing the economy, then decisive action is needed on behalf of the tens of millions of passengers that fly from our airports.

“Regional airports and airlines stand ready to help the Government in its ambition to create ‘better not bigger’ London airports, with regional airports taking more of the strain. Our solution, which we work hard to communicate to the Government, is to look beyond a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to aviation tax. We have long argued that Air Passenger Duty (APD) has a disproportionate impact on the regions, including those that rely on crucial lifeline air services.”

Mr Mason also reiterated his wish to see economic incentives to encourage airlines to make better use of those regional airports, such as a congestion charge.

The calls came as aviation chiefs in the region prepare themselves for a decision from the Chancellor on the future of Air Passenger Duty (APD).

The Journal has campaigned against the levy, added to each plane ticket, as unfair to the region, and a threat to North East commercial interests and international links. Business leaders have backed our “A Tax Too Far” campaign, describing the success of Newcastle International as ‘crucial’ to the region’s economic recovery and prosperity.

Mr Mason added: “We have provided solutions and await the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement with great anticipation. We hope the Government has listened.”