Airports in the south set to benefit from £8million grant
Bournemouth and Southampton can both apply for the funding to help them deal with the impacts of the pandemic
Airports across the south can now apply for a government grant worth up to £8million.
The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme will help commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance and business rate bills.
Both Bournemouth and Southampton airport could benefit.
Airports and ground handlers can apply via GOV.UK and, if successful, should receive funding by the end of the financial year.
The scheme, which follows the government’s extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, is open for applications until 21 February.
The investment will support airports following the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the government continues to roll out its world-leading vaccination programme.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “A thriving aviation industry has been central to the success of this country and while we recognise the testing conditions airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I believe the sector will be ready to bounce back once restrictions are lifted.
“Today’s scheme is another step in the right direction, providing vital support for an industry that is raring to get back to business, once it is safe to do so.”
In a statement, a representative of Southampton Airport said: “Whilst the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme is welcome and will provide some relief, there is a real need for further sector specific support. The outlook for our industry has worsened significantly with the introduction of more stringent travel restrictions that have effectively brought aviation to a standstill. It also doesn’t address the long term issue, which is our runway is simply too short to make us a viable long term business.”
A new public consultation over plans to extend Southampton Airport’s runway by 164m is currently under way.