Flybe has called on the Government to review allowing a limited number of domestic routes from RAF Northolt.
The airline said that last week the Government’s Spending Review did not include its proposal to operate twice-daily return services to an initial five UK regional destinations from Northolt.
It claims the proposal, which is independent of any decision on the Airports Commission’s recommendations on airport capacity in the South East, would bring additional runway capacity to serve UK passengers in the immediate term and without requiring any taxpayer funding.
It would also generate income for the RAF and bring in APD revenue to the Treasury, says Flybe.
Saad Hammad, Flybe’s chief executive, said: "Northolt has, for too long, been the preserve of the elite with their private jets.
"The Government is in danger of turning its back on an opportunity that would benefit hundreds of thousands of people in giving immediate regional air connections to London and beyond through Heathrow’s long-haul network."
