UK govt considers fines for airports over disruptions

Monday, 27th December 2010

After a week of travel misery brought on by heavy winter weather, the government says it is considering new laws that would provide financial penalties for airport operators whose poor planning leads to passengers’ journeys being disrupted. Snow and ice grounded many flights across the UK and northern Europe in the days before Christmas.

UK Transport Secretary Philip Hammond told the press that management at Heathrow had badly underestimated the amount of de-icing fluid the airport would need. One of the two runways at Heathrow, the world’s busiest airport, was closed for four days.

Heavy snow and ice left services at Heathrow crippled as the airport was unable to keep both runways clear. Many aircraft were frozen in place in their airport parking bays.

Siim Kallas, the European Commissioner for Transport, said the disruption was unacceptable. He said he could use the law to force airport operators to ensure minimum levels of service in bad weather.

The UK’s transport ministry said the travel chaos had highlighted weaknesses in the powers of the country’s aviation regulator. A ministry spokesperson said the government was committed to an overhaul of how airports are regulated.

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