Much is expected to change at Norwich Airport in the coming years – but one feature set to stay is the Airport Development Fee.
Since its introduction in 2007, the £10 tax on passengers aged 16 or over who depart from the airport has proved controversial.
But bosses insist that without greater government support, the seven-figure sum raised by the levy every year is essential to the airport's future viability.
They pointed to the £1m resurfacing of taxiways this year and a £1.5m security upgrade imposed by regulators as projects which were funded by the fee.
'The airport development fee is important to the future of the airport and its sustainability,' said Mr Pace.
'We've also been able to develop routes by having it available as a revenue stream. We've been able to offer airlines and tour operators a better commercial arrangement than we could have otherwise, to attract them here in the first place.'
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