A DECISION on whether to throw a lifeline to struggling regional airports such as Durham Tees Valley has been put off until the autumn.

Ministers pledged that the conclusions of a Government inquiry – taking in the economic impact of losing an air link to London – would be published in the summer.

But MPs were told that the report would not be ready until later this year.

Its conclusions will be crucial for Durham Tees Valley, which is reeling from bmi’s decision to cancel its service to Heathrow.

MPs, led by Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, are calling for lower landing charges for regional flights to London, to end a “poll tax on wings” that imposes an equal fee – regardless of whether a flight arrives from Durham or Dubai.

The Northern Echo launched its Keep the Region Flying campaign, to highlight the growing threat to shorthaul flights to London.