Dundee Airport operators are actively pursuing new links to connect the City of Discovery with the continent, it has been revealed.
Concerns were raised over the ramifications of Brexit on the city’s airport as EU chiefs warned airlines they needed to relocate their headquarters and sell off shares to EU nationals if they wanted to continue flying across the continent.
European Union officials have reportedly been telling major carriers in order to operate routes across Europe they must have a significant base on EU territory and a majority of their capital shares must be EU-owned.
However, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which operates Dundee Airport, said it was still performing well in the wake of the Brexit vote.
A HIAL spokesperson said: “Brexit is part of the conversations we have with airlines but, to date, it has not had a significant impact.
“Route negotiations tend to take a bit of time and part of the business case we make is about the local economic situation, which is still relatively strong.
“The weaker pound also makes Scotland a more attractive destination for visitors this summer.”
The company is also working to form new connections between Dundee Airport and mainland Europe after a Flybe route from the city to Amsterdam was scrapped.
Flybe had blamed insufficient radar capabilities at the airport as being behind the permanent suspension of that route, but Dundee chiefs said “the operational requirements laid out by Flybe are specific to that airline” and wouldn’t affect other potential partners.
Since then, the airport has secured a £3.7 million deal guaranteeing flights between Dundee and London Stansted for two years.
Described as a “lifeline service”, Dundee Airport operators hope to build on the success of the Stansted route.
A spokesperson for Dundee Airport added: “HIAL continues to actively explore new commercial opportunities for Dundee Airport.”
Meanwhile, Dundee West MP Chris Law has said he wants a flight between the city and a future third runway at Heathrow to be developed.
Under the Tay Cities Deal, the airport is set to benefit from funding to enhance its facilities and make it a key travel gateway.
These plans include shorter term investment in upgrading communications and lighting equipment and medium term redevelopment of the terminal and enhancing air services.
