THESE are difficult times for the airline industry. Families are tightening their belts in the recession and expensive luxuries, such as foreign holidays, have been early casualties.

Airports like Durham Tees Valley have been hit by falling passenger numbers and the loss of key routes, not least bmi’s decision to cancel regional flights to London.

We had high hopes that a Government inquiry would throw regional airports a lifeline this summer.

The inquiry was supposed to be finished any time now, but delays mean it will not now be ready until the autumn.

Its conclusions are eagerly awaited by airport bosses anxious to discover if it will recommend lower landing charges for regional flights to the capital.

The Northern Echo has played a vocal part in pointing out the stupidity of charging all flights the same fee – regardless of whether they have arrived from Darlington or Dubai.

North-East MPs are lobbying hard for a “public service obligation” clause which would protect key landing slots for regional airports.

Less than one per cent of Heathrow’s landing slots would need to be ringfenced to preserve vital services.

European governments already have rules in place to ensure their airports serve the regions as well as foreign jetsetters.

The Government must act sooner, rather than later, to ensure aviation policy serves the needs of the region as well as the commercial interests of carriers.

That report cannot arrive soon enough.