Statistics released today by the Department for Transport (DfT) show that most Britons support unrestricted access to air travel, provided that damage to the environment is limited.
The figures, compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that almost half the adults in the UK (49 per cent) had taken at least one flight over the past 12 months. The number of people taking multiple trips per year was up from 23 per cent in 2002 to 30 per cent in 2005.
A quarter of the 1,298 respondents also said they anticipated making more air journeys over the coming year than in the previous 12 months. Although most conceded that air travel harms the environment in some degree, almost four-fifths (78 per cent) believed that flying should be unrestricted so long as measures were taken to “mitigate potential environmental damage”.
Of those who believed air travel to be harmful to the environment (70 per cent), nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) thought a small increase in air fares to deal with this would be acceptable. This figure fell to 47 per cent for a larger increase.
In terms of airport security, 81 per cent said they were satisfied on their last visit to a UK airport. Most passengers (68 per cent) also said they would be reassured by the presence of armed police officers at airports, and 64 per cent said they would be happy to pay a small charge to go towards airport security.
The ONS figures also demonstrated a high rate of customer satisfaction in terms of airport services. One in ten were happy with the flight information that was provided; 92 per cent were satisfied with the time spent at check-in; 89 per cent had no complaints about the punctuality of their flights; and 85 per cent were happy with the general airport facilities.
Respondents were also asked about their opinions regarding airport expansion. Almost half (46 per cent) said they would personally support the expansion of their local airport, although most (62 per cent) said they advocated some kind of limitation to protect local environments.
The figures come soon after several major UK airports, including Edinburgh and Manchester, unveiled plans for large expansions over the coming decades.
An overwhelming majority of air travellers (84 per cent) want such plans to include improvements to public transport links to the airport.
Transport secretary Douglas Alexander commented: “The survey underlines the value that the public attaches to flying, whilst recognising the importance of providing this service in a sustainable way.”
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