Airport Development Fee to increase by 67%
11.06.08
Norwich Airport has announced that it will increase its controversial airport fee by 67% - from £3 to £5 for every adult. The airport development fee, which is paid by every passenger flying from the hub, will go up from September 1
The original £3 levy was introduced on April 2 last year to help fund a 5 year, £18m expansion plan. However, it sparked anger from budget airline Flybe, who blamed the tax for its decision to axe routes from the airport.
A statement from the airport released last night said: ‘We can confirm the Airport Development Fee, which is paid by all departing passengers, will increase from £3 to £5 from September 1, 2008. The cost for children aged two to 15 remains unchanged at £1.’
Airport bosses refused to comment on the reasons for the increase or what the increased revenue would be spent on. The airport said in a note to the 43 word statement: ‘There will be no further comments about the airport development fee at present.’
Supporters of the levy believe the levy will help pay for improvements to the airport and also provide funds to open up more routes. Opponents have warned the charge could put people off using the airport.
Flybe said it is disappointed with the airport's announcement of a further increase to its development fee, which was announced without any direct consultation. A spokesman for the airline said: ‘Flybe is concerned that this action will give passengers yet a further reason to choose to fly from Stansted rather than from Norwich.'
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