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Written question asked by Jerome Mayhew (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Friday, 26 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Air Routes: Public Service Obligations

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 15 June 2026 to Question 6200 on Air Routes: Public Service Obligations, whether it is her Department's policy that Public Service Obligation support should primarily facilitate connectivity to London; and whether she has considered the potential merits of supporting Public Service Obligation routes between regional cities and nations of the UK, including routes linking Northern Ireland with cities outside London.

Answer

It is the responsibility of regional bodies, such as local authorities and Devolved Governments, to make a compelling case for a Public Service Obligation (PSO) against the criteria set out in the Department for Transport’s guidance on PSO routes which is available here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6571a404746930000d488999/dft-public-service-obligations-guidance-2023.pdf

Any proposals for PSOs submitted to the Department, whether operating to London or not, would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Proposals would need to show evidence that they meet the statutory requirements set out in the Department’s guidance and that they meet value for money considerations. Any assessment would also consider the potential merits of such an air route. No assessments have been made on PSO routes between regional cities and nations of the UK, including routes linking Northern Ireland with cities outside London, as no proposals have been received.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11191
Session
2026-27
Related items
Air Routes: Public Service Obligations
Monday, 15 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Air routes Public service obligations
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk