A new domestic air route from Newquay has made the shortlist of regional airports looking for support through the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund.
The fund, which was launched in June 2013, already supports the Newquay to Gatwick route.
Fifteen brand-new routes have reached the funding shortlist, open to regional airports handling fewer than 5 million passengers a year.
Newquay hopes to receive the green light for an airlink to Leeds Bradford, which would be served by Flybe and operate five days a week in the summer, and three days in the winter.
Chancellor George Osborne said: “We’re determined to build a one nation economy, where all parts of the UK are growing and connected. That’s why we support new regional air routes. Further funding for brand new routes will support many more businesses and individuals across UK regions as part of our rural productivity plan.
“This is a great deal for taxpayers too – the existing Newquay-London route, supported by the fund, delivers benefits to the economy of nearly three pounds for every pound invested.”
The final announcement of winning bids to be made in November.
