RThe government wants to allocate an extra 107 million to the regional airports.
It is very welcome and extremely necessary but would need to be more than twice as large.
Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlsson is presenting an increase in the existing state operating support for regional (non-state) airports from SEK 103 million to SEK 210 million for next year.
”"The doubled support is very welcome and absolutely necessary for our airports to secure not only air connections around the country but also all socially important transport such as ambulance flights, fire reconnaissance and support for the Armed Forces," says Peter Larsson, CEO of Swedish Regional Airports (SRF).
However, the proposed increase only covers part of the actual deficits. SRF estimates that support would need to increase by an additional approximately SEK 165 million to cover the actual needs.
Several government investigations have pointed to the need for government support for regional airports that corresponds to 75% deficit coverage. For 2023, SRF estimates that the total deficits will exceed approximately SEK 500 million. To achieve deficit coverage of 75%, actual support would need to correspond to approximately SEK 375 million. In reality, approximately SEK 165 million more is needed than what the government is now proposing.
”"Even though the increased support is not enough, the government is now opening up the possibility for more airports than today to receive operating support. This is very good," says Peter Larsson further.
Today, only 20 out of 32 non-state airports are eligible for state support. Sweden also divides the airport system, where the state owns and operates the large airports (Swedavia) that have the potential to make a profit, while municipalities are usually allowed to operate the smaller regional airports that do not have the potential to make a profit. In our neighboring countries, there is no such division. There, the state ensures the operation of all airports. The vulnerable economy of the regional airports is also having a noticeable effect. Two airports have recently been closed, namely the airports in Skövde and on Säve outside Gothenburg.
The state investigation ”"The state's responsibility for the Swedish airport system" (Ds2023:3) led by Peter Norman, points out the imbalances of a divided system and proposes increased support with 75% deficit coverage for most of the regional airports. The investigator also wants to nationalize four of the regional airports.
”"We see the announcement of increased operating support as a step on the path to creating long-term and secure financing for our airports. Now other important parts of the airport investigation need to be put in place quickly," says Peter Larsson.
According to the press release.
