Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

The Minister with responsibility for Aviation has today (Thursday) told North Cornwall MP, Dan Rogerson, that she is 'aware' of how important Newquay Airport is to the local economy.

The future of the airport has been called seriously into question as Defence Minister threatened to mothball RAF St. Mawgan, to which the civilian airport is attached.

Mr Rogerson has been lobbying in Parliament for a joint meeting between Transport and Defence Ministers to draw their attention to the inextricable link between the current military and civilian activity at the airport. But Transport Ministers have acknowledged today that the civilian airport could itself see 1.2 million passengers a year running through its terminal, if MoD bosses will allow the expansion.

The new future for Newquay Airport emerged in a meeting between the local MP, a delegation from Cornwall County Council, Department for Transport officials and the Transport Minister with responsibility for aviation, Karen Buck MP.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Rogerson said,

"We have long argued that the secure future of Newquay Airport is essential for Cornwall."

"We have campaigned against Defence Ministers' mothballing plans and will keep fighting to retain the military base but the Department for Transport has let the cat out of the bag. Now the Minister has agreed that a civilian hub on the site is viable, with or without the St Mawgan military base, we know there can be no excuse for leaving the Airport's future in limbo."

"The government must now commit clearly and unequivocally to maintaining civilian air services at Newquay. The airport is not just viable, it is vital."