A north-east MP has welcomed a commitment on the importance of Aberdeen Airport to air expansion in the south-east of England.
The concerns of Gordon MP Colin Clark were mentioned in a debate on the economic and environmental impacts of airport expansion at the House of Commons on Wednesday.
UK Minister of State for Transport John Hayes answered questions on the benefit of adding a third runway to London Heathrow.
Labour MP Ruth Cadbury said Aberdeen could be linked to other London airports without the need for expansion.
But Mr Hayes highlighted points raised by Mr Clark that the North East’s economic prosperity is linked to the development of air links with UK’s largest city.
Mr Hayes said: “It is right that we see this subject in the context of what we expect from our regional airports.
“(Mr Clark) is right to say that any consideration about airport expansion needs to be taken on a strategic basis.
“It would be quite wrong to see expansion in the southeast in isolation.
“He can be assured that the government do think strategically about these things and part of our ongoing consideration … will take full account of the points he and others have made about the relationship between he regions and the south be secure.”
After the hall debate, Mr Clark said: “The future of the entire north-east is linked to the UK and we must foster those links in every way we can.
“Ruth Cadbury MP suggested Aberdeen could be linked to other London airports but they are not hubs.
“It’s essential for oil and gas, air freight and tourism we are connected to the main UK hub, Heathrow.
“The minister assured me he understood this and reiterated the importance of the regional airports.”
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