Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 44
During the pandemic, the differing policy choices of the Scottish and UK Government had an...
Conclusion
During the pandemic, the differing policy choices of the Scottish and UK Government had an effect on the financial stability of airports in Scotland as these policies did not always align. Edinburgh Airport maintained that the Scottish Government’s overly cautious approach was confusing for passengers and did not provide the intended health benefits for those travelling via Scottish airports. It was widely known that people living in Scotland travelled to England to fly out of the UK, which meant reduced passenger numbers and revenue for Scottish airports. The Scottish Government’s stricter approach brought severe difficulties for Scottish airports and people in Scotland.
Paragraph Reference:
44
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government shares the Committees view on the importance of good and proactive communication with the devolved administrations. We recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted airports across the UK and we will continue to work in partnership with the devolved governments to support airports and passengers as we build back from the pandemic. Close collaboration and strong communication with the devolved administrations will be vital as we look to fully understand the effects that travel restrictions during the pandemic had on the UK transport system, including airports. The Department for Transport will continue its work to learn these lessons, improve aviation connectivity and support airports across the UK. The recommendation cannot, however, be fully endorsed as the Inter-ministerial Group (IMG) on Transport is not the appropriate body to produce a report reviewing intergovernmental relations or the effects of the pandemic on airports. The IMG on Transport provides department-level quadrilateral structures to ensure effective