Landing fees could be waived for up to six months for airlines on non-stop flights to or from Bermuda.

Premier Ewart Brown, Minister of Tourism and Transport, is proposing the waiver of fees under the Air Service Incentives Programme, in order to encourage more air carriers to the Island.

The proposed legislation follows the collapse of low-cost airline Zoom, which operated a London Gatwick service. Since Zoom went bust in August – just over a year since its arrival in Bermuda, Dr. Brown has pledged to find an alternative transatlantic service.

Speaking after the airline went bust, Dr. Brown said: "Our people (Ministry of Tourism and Transport) have launched an urgent effort to replace this valuable low-fare service from the UK."

It is thought the Premier is also hoping to stave off further routes being cancelled due to the global economic crisis and record fuel costs borne by the industry.

The Civil Airports (Landing Fees) Amendment Regulations 2008 were yesterday tabled in the House of Assembly as an amendment to the 2006 regulations.

To qualify for the Air Service Incentives Programme an airline must "have a scheduled flight on a non-stop routing to or from Bermuda" and provide a new service "to an existing or previously served destination" or a new destination altogether.

The Bill also revokes Section 3A of the Bermuda Air Terminal (Fees) Regulations 1952 Act.