Airports in England will be able to apply for support towards their fixed costs, the government has announced. The level of support will be equivalent to the business rates liability of each business and capped at £8 million per airport site.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “The aviation industry is vital to our economy – creating jobs and driving growth – which is why we have supported them throughout this crisis through the job retention scheme, loans and tax deferrals.
“This new package of support for airports, alongside a new testing regime for international arrivals, will help the sector take off once again as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said: “UK airports have been amongst the hardest-hit sectors by the pandemic and these announcements are a much-needed boost as aviation looks to bounce back from the greatest challenge it has ever faced.
“We are pleased that the government has listened to our calls for business rates relief for airports in England. The measures announced today will provide much-needed support to many embattled airports, helping them through the challenging months ahead.
“However, not all airports will see full business rates relief and all of aviation will continue to face considerable challenges over the coming months and years. We will therefore need to continue to work with government on what other steps can be taken to safeguard the UK’s aviation businesses.”
The support scheme will open in the new year.