Air Routes: Public Service Obligations
The 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.
Answered by Keir Mather
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:
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.
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