Critics have accused the SNP of “dithering” over the future of Prestwick Airport after it emerged that flight numbers are to be cut to as few as one a day.
It’s claimed the Scottish Government has ignored action plans presented to them by local MP Brian Donohoe and peer Lord Foulkes, who led the rescue of Prestwick last time it floundered.
Both have accused the SNP administration of refusing their offers of help for political reasons.
Donohoe, a long-standing member of the Transport Select Committee in Westminster, said: “This could’ve been moved along a year ago. Instead, the Scottish Government has been dithering along doing nothing.
“I’ve been working with some of the top aviation experts. I presented a five-point plan to Nicola Sturgeon, but I heard nothing back. I’m frustrated and angry.
“It’s not just people’s jobs on the line the wider economy of Ayrshire and the west of Scotland would be affected if Prestwick were to close or could be given a massive boost if there was a focus on promoting the airport and putting in the right management.”
Some 360 people currently work at Prestwick. The Scottish Government bailed out the airport last year to stop it going bust.
But it’s emerged that Ryanair, the only passenger operator using Prestwick, will fly just 13 times a week on seven routes there over the winter. It’s the fewest flights out of the airport in 20 years. The lack of activity is fuelling fears the hub could be mothballed.
The Scottish Government is due to publish a report into the future of the facility next month.
One of the men who led the rescue of Prestwick when it was under threat in the early 1990s believes the timing is political.
Lord Foulkes, who was local MP at the time, said: “The Scottish Government say everything is under control and the airport is set fair but these figures show that’s not true. They are too focused on the referendum instead of doing the best for Scottish people and Scottish jobs.”
This weekend saw the reinstatement of the Prestwick airshow last held in 1992 featuring the Battle of Britain memorial flight and a Vulcan jet.
Lord Foulkes added: “It’s ironic the airshow is being held on the weekend that this news has come out. It’s just rubbing salt in the wound.”
Ryanair announced earlier this summer it was to begin operating out of Glasgow Airport.
The switch raised fears the no-frills carrier could jettison its links with Prestwick.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The service changes are part of the normal revision process and Ryanair has assured us of its continuing commitment to the airport and of its intention to actively consider growth options in the future.
“We are confident there is a place for Prestwick Airport in the Scottish aviation market and are committed to making it the success we know it can be.”
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