Funding is available to ease the pressure on commercial airports and ground handlers in England hit by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Recognising the value of the aviation sector to UK economy, the Government has reopened a multimillion-pound scheme to support England’s commercial airports which have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (AGOSS) is providing funding for airports and ground handlers, compensating for reduced revenue following the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Applicants will be able to access up to £8 million each to support with fixed costs while curbs on travel remain in place. If successful, they should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
The financial relief is intended to help cover losses on costs, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills.
Commercial airports in England with a valid commercial licence from no later than 27 October 2021 that operated at least 12 scheduled commercial passenger flights in 2019 are eligible. Ground handling companies providing as their primary function any of the handling service listed in EU Directive 96/67/EC directly to an airport user for scheduled commercial flights at a commercial airport in England, for a site or sites located in England, can also apply.
Companies must have received, for their eligible site or sites in England, a business rates bill from their relevant local authority for the 2021 to 2022 financial year and demonstrate a forecasted COVID-19 loss for the six months to 31 March 2022.
The next deadline for applications is 18 January 2022.
How To Apply
The closing date for applications is 18 January 2022.
Applicants must register and make their application to AGOSS through the Department for Transport Sourcing portal.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
More details can be accessed on the GOV website.
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Department for Transport (DfT)
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
Tel: 0300 330 3000