The transport minister has come out strongly questioning the future of the Durham Tees Valley airport. This comes after what is seen as disastrous slump in passengers’ numbers. The public transport to the airport is being questioned with critics’ saying it’s in a very bad state.
Activists blame the government for the poor state of the transport links and want the government to act quickly before it brings the airport to a halt. The poor transport link has seen the number of passengers significantly drop at the airport, raising eyebrows about the future of the airport.
Mr. Scarborough Whitby MP speaking at the commons said that the public transport links to the airport are very poor.
Responding to calls for better transport links, Mr. Robert Goodwill said for the airport to survive, better transport links are needed and extra trains too. He argued that if this is not done, the survival of the airport remains questionable.
In 2006 the number of passengers was 900,000 compared to 2013 where the number of passengers was 161,092. This has indicated that rampant measures need to be taken to ensure the prosperity of the airport.
This assessment comes amid rising concerns from the locals about the future of the airport. Peel Holdings have launched a master plan that could revolutionalize the airport based on the belief that airports can survive on revenues from passengers’ traffic alone. Peel has said that they intend to develop its land asset and build up to four hundred new homes on the site.
Mr. Stockton South, a conservative MP has encouraged peel to continue finding more routes. Though he admits this may not be easy he said it can still be done.
Strategic planning director at Durham tees valley airport, Peter Nears has thanked the local MP for highlighting the need for improved public transport links to the airport.
By Oliver Derek