WHAT ROLE FOR LEVELLING-UP MINISTER LIA NICI AS RED LIGHTS FLASH ON AIRPORT'S FUTURE?

                                             

Lia Nici - future of airport likely to be high up in her in-tray 

JUST days after she was appointed a minister in the Government's Levelling-up department, Grimsby MP Lia Nici faces a challenge.

An airport often used by many of her constituents is under threat of closure.

Peel Group, the owner of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (formerly known as Robin Hood Airport), has put out this statement: "We have reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable."

It continues: "Since the Peel Group acquired the Airport site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005, significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations.

"However, despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable.

"This fundamental issue of a shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement on 10 June this year of the unilateral withdrawal of the Wizz Air based aircraft.

"This has left the airport with only one base carrier, namely Tui."

Expanding regional airports in the north is a key part of the Government's Levelling-up strategy, and closure of DSA would have a devasting impact, not just for its 800-strong workforce but also for its  customers.

It would also undermine Government policy.

Talks involving various  are already underway to see if the airport can be saved.

Ms Nici has not yet commented, but, in her new parliamentary position, it is likely she will have input as the situation evolves.

Peel Group also operates the John Lennon Airport in Liverpool.