Airport parking charges ‘bad for business’

The introduction of parking charges at Dundee Airport will be bad for business, the airline that runs the city’s flights to London has claimed.

Patrick Edmond, the commercial general manager of CityJet Ltd, said the firm was “disappointed” by this week’s announcement, and hoped it would be reversed. His view was echoed by Jim Watt, managing director of Tayside Aviation — another major customer of the airport.
Motorists will have to pay to park on the Riverside site from November 30 in a move designed to raise revenue and stop people who are not using the airport parking there.

“We know our Dundee customers appreciate the convenience of our London City service, and part of that is the ease of parking at Dundee Airport compared with a drive to Edinburgh and an expensive car park there,” said Mr Edmond. “It is a difficult time for all airlines and, like others, we’re doing our best to keep our costs under control and to attract new business.

“We’d have hoped — and indeed we still hope — the airport might discuss this with us before making a final decision, so that, for example, departing passengers could continue to be entitled to free parking.

“After all, at a time when we in CityJet have been evaluating the possible introduction of larger aircraft on the Dundee-London route, anything which would diminish the convenience of flying from Dundee compared with Edinburgh, and thus reduce demand for flights from Dundee, is obviously disappointing.”

Mr Watt said the introduction of parking charges would make his company “less competitive”.

“I don’t think (airport operator) Highland & Islands fully appreciates the asset that Dundee in itself is. This is a guaranteed drop in passenger numbers and we are basically urging them not to do it, because once they do the damage will be irreversible.

“I do believe it will make our business uncompetitive, and that is a real concern.

“The aviation industry is already in a crisis situation and to essentially add £300 to the cost for one of our students to train is a major blow.”

Highlands and Islands Airports initially planned to introduce the parking scheme in May, but deferred the date of implementation as a result of the poor economic climate.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of the Scottish Government-owned operator, claimed passenger numbers have now picked up sufficiently for them to go ahead with the move.

Under the new parking arrangements there will be a short-stay car park with a maximum stay of two hours charged at £1.40 an hour. There will also be two long-stay car parks with charges of £3 for up to four hours, £4.20 up to six hours, £5 up to 8 hours and £5.50 for a full day.

A five-day rate of £20 and £28 for seven days will also be available.

Dundee Evening Telegraph