DOMESTIC flights between one of the region's airports and London Heathrow are under threat, it emerged yesterday.

It is feared airline bmi may be forced to stop its daily services between Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTV) and Heathrow if increases in charges are introduced.

The loss of flights to the business world's international airport would come as a huge blow to both DTV, which has had links with Heathrow for 37 years, and the wider region.

Last night, airport boss Hugh Lang called on the North-East's business community, agencies and organisations involved in the regeneration of the region for support.

He said: "We are sure that everyone in the region will recognise the importance of ensuring that there is a strong and united voice on this issue - a voice which can be heard loud and clear by both the Competition Commission and the Government."

The Competition Commission is considering proposals from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on charges to be levied on airlines operating services at Heathrow Airport for five years from March next year.

If adopted, the CAA proposals could see charges increase by as much as 70 per cent - a figure bmi said would have an impact on the commercial viability of domestic operations using London Heath-row. Mr Lang, managing director of DTV, said bmi had very serious concerns, particularly as charges had already risen by 43 per cent in the past five years. DTV and the airline have made clear their concerns to the Competition Commission.

The body is due to announce a decision on its findings next month, followed by a six-month consultation.

A final decision is expected in March next year.

Regional development agency One NorthEast said it would write to the Competition Commission, and said it had voiced its concerns to the Department for Transport.

Tom Warburton, head of environment and infrastructure, said: " We are in discussion with the airport management regarding the current situation and will continue to work with them to achieve positive solutions."

Stockton North MP Frank Cook also threw his weight behind the campaign.

He said: "It is clearly a nonsense when, at a time when the Government has recognised, through initiatives such as the Northern Way and the recently-announced review of regional economic development policies, the desperate need to support regions such as the North-East, we are now facing the prospect of potentially losing our links to the country's most important airport and, of course, access to the worldwide air transport network."

Newcastle International Airport did not comment on the charges, but said its daily flights between the city and London Heathrow were robust.

A spokesperson said: "The North-East is a geographically remote region and, as such, airline services to the capital are critical."

The Association of North East Councils, which represents the region's 25 councils, also said it would make representations to the Competition Commission.

Deputy director Hilary Knox said: "The airport's direct service to Heathrow is important in attracting businesses, investors and tourists to the Tees Valley and the wider North-East, and to providing a link with one of the world's premier international gateways.

"Transport connections are vital for the progress and development of the region as it seeks to accelerate its future economic prospects and narrow the productivity gap with other regions."