AIR industry chiefs have strongly denied that key flights from the North-East to Heathrow are under threat.

British Airways (BA) said last night that the aviation industry was facing the most challenging trading environment in its history, but the airline rejected suggestions that its service from Newcastle International Airport to the London hub could be axed.

Earlier this week, Hugh Lang, group director with Peel Airports, which owns Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA), claimed that an eroding access from regional airports to the London hub meant the service could be gone within 18 months.

But Denny MacGee, BA spokesman, said the comments were unfounded.

He said: “Our Newcastle operation is an important part of our UK regional network and one of the most efficient.

“Last month, it was in the top three for on-time departures of all the UK regional airports to which British Airways operates.

“We estimate that on flights between Newcastle and Heathrow, more than 55 per cent of passengers transfer to European or long-haul flights, helping maintain routes that otherwise would not be financially viable.”

Bosses at Newcastle International Airport have also rejected claims that the service is at risk.

Dave Laws, airport chief executive, said he was “taken aback” by the comments.

“Our British Airways service to Heathrow connects the North-East region to London and the rest of the world, and is of critical importance to the region,” he said.

North-East politicians, business leaders and bosses at DTVA have urged the Government to step in to preserve landing slots at Heathrow for flights from the UK regions.

The calls came after bmi cancelled its service from DTVA to Heathrow last month.

Mr Lang said last night he had not meant to single out Newcastle Airport as facing a specific threat to its Heathrow service. “I was talking about the continued erosion of access to London Heathrow from all the regions,” he said.