Airport considers security tax
13.12.06
Liverpool Airport is considering charging passengers an additional tax to cover its increased security costs. The scheme - similar to the terminal tax introduced at Newquay airport last year - would require people to pay up to £2 before boarding. Managers say the extra revenue would help meet the £3m cost of increased security measures brought in this year.
Security was increased at UK airports in August after a plot to blow up planes using liquid explosives was uncovered. Although restrictions on taking hand baggage and liquids on board have been eased, security measures are still not back to pre-alert levels and have created extra work - and extra costs - for airports.
Liverpool Airport managing director Neil Pakey told BBC Radio Merseyside: 'The security requirements have apparently been relaxed - but you would not feel that here. The insurance costs in particular have been escalating massively - our costs have gone up on security from about £2m to £5m.'
Unable to pass the increased costs on to the budget airlines using the airport, plan to charge passengers is thought to be one of a number of options being considered by the airport to recoup its increased costs, and could be introduced in the New Year.
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