Government Introduced Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme

For the third time, the government has introduced its Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme.

As airports face the impact of Covid-19, and the newer Omicron form, on the tourism industry, up to £4 million in support is available to assist them with their fixed expenses.

Airports and ground handling companies must show a projected deficit for the six months ending 31st March 2022 to be eligible. In 2019, airports were required to conduct at least 12 scheduled commercial flights. The deadline for submissions is 18th January.

Grants can be used to cover airport operating costs, utility payments, airfield maintenance and security, ground handling charges, insurance, and business rates for the fiscal years 2021 and 2022.

A day after the chancellor approved a £1 billion support package for the hospitality and leisure sectors and injected £102 million into the Additional Restrictions Grants scheme, which travels firms can access at the discretion of their local authorities, specific support for airports was awarded.

Robert Courts, the minister of aviation and maritime affairs, confirmed the action on Twitter and gave a link for airports to apply.

He stated, “We’ve opened up the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme for a third time to provide commercial airports and ground handlers with up to £4 million in support to help with their fixed costs.”

The scheme’s previous incarnations were finished in June 2021 and February 2021, respectively. It was released for the first time in January 2021.