New bill puts airport users first

25/11/11

By Adele Forrest

The Government has published new proposals on airport legislation that promise to put passengers first.

Under the draft Civil Aviation Bill, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will have its current economic regulation duties replaced, with its main focus put on the interests of the passenger.

Discussion of the Bill has been brought forward by the Government and it is likely to be introduced next year. The Bill proposes to transfer aviation security measures like monitoring and enforcement from the Government to the CAA.

The CAA, which charges the industry for its work, will be given more powers over penalties for breaking licence conditions and will be able to impose fines of up to 10 per cent of an airport's annual turnover.

It will also be allowed more flexibility on setting performance measures and allowing passengers access to this, along with encouraging investment.

But the responsibility for setting aviation security policy and giving security directions to the industry will still be held by the transport secretary.