MPs to hear from Scottish airport bosses on issues ranging from covid-19 and airspace modernisation
The Scottish Affairs Committee will be holding its second evidence session as part of its Airports in Scotland inquiry.
During the evidence session, MPs will hear from the Chief Executive at Edinburgh Airport and Managing Director at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. The Director of Communications and Sustainability at AGS Airports, which owns Aberdeen International, Glasgow and Southampton Airports, will also be giving evidence.
Likely areas of questioning
Amongst the issues likely to be discussed on Monday are:
- Support for airports during the covid-19 pandemic;
- Travel connectivity for Scottish airports;
- The environmental impact of airports;
- Airspace modernisation.
During this inquiry, the Committee is considering the impact covid-19 has had on airports in Scotland. Airports have seen a drop in passenger numbers, and many airlines ceased operating temporarily during the height of the pandemic. Meanwhile, many airports in rural communities had to stay open for emergency services, key industry workers and cargo for crucial supplies.
Following COP26, the Committee is also keen to explore the impact that environmental policies are having on airports, and in particular what schemes are in place to reduce the carbon footprint of airports.