Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay has said a defined minimum level of access for flights between Scotland and Heathrow must be set to ensure the country benefits from any new capacity development at the airport.

The Minister made the remarks following a decision by Heathrow Airport to develop a regional pricing structure.

"The Scottish Government warmly welcomes Heathrow Airport’s plans to develop a regional pricing structure. This was one of the key issues highlighted in the Scottish Government’s response to the Airports Commission," he said.

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"Regional pricing would help maintain key links between Scotland and London and would also encourage greater competition on these routes, ensuring passengers get the best ticket prices possible. We hope this move will incentivise other airlines to take up the slots being vacated by Virgin when they stop their domestic services in September so that tourists can easily connect to Scotland through this World Hub from long haul services.

"We could also take action now to protect our existing routes and secure new ones with the transfer of powers over Air Passenger Duty to the Scottish Parliament. This has already been agreed through the Smith Commission and we once again call for the UK Government to make that happen as quickly as possible."

(IT/CD)