Australian Airports Association (AAA) Head of Policy and Advocacy Natalie Heazlewood today called on the Federal Government to exclude small airports from the proposed Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme.
The scheme, announced in August as part of the ALP's Aviation White Paper, is primarily to address issues with airlines and major airports, but stands to capture smaller regional airports in its net.
“Australian airports will be constructive towards getting the balance right around a future Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme," Heazlewood said.
“With a complex number of factors influencing aviation, it is important the ombuds scheme is realistic and ensures consumers get full and timely airfare refunds.
“Many smaller regional and rural airports often operate at a loss and are still dealing with the fallout of the Rex Airlines financial collapse.
“Smaller Australian airports should be exempt from the scheme to help safeguard their current survival, while passengers would still be covered by Australian Consumer Law."
Heazlewood also said the scheme needed to include government entities as well as the airlines and airports.
“Federal agencies, including Airservices Australia, form part of a passenger’s journey and can influence flight delays and cancellations."
“Last financial year, only 1% of these delays were caused by airports in Australia and airline refund requests remain the top complaint received by the current Airline Consumer Advocate."
Departmental consultation on the design and implementation of the ombuds scheme closed yesterday having opened on 26 August.
AAA represents 340 airports, most of which are regional airports run either by independent corporations or local councils.