The airport faces a �750,000 deficit

The council says it is concerned that the burden of funding has fallen disproportionately on people in Restormel.

The cabinet has agreed to ask Cornwall County Council to take over its share of spending on the airport which both councils own.

The councils spend about �150,000 each on maintaining the airport which is already facing a �750,000 deficit.

�1.7m shortfall

The number of passengers at Newquay has soared in the past two years, from 85,000 a year to nearly 250,000.

Newquay is very important for Cornwall's economy, but there are limits to what the councils can do at Newquay John Lobb, leader of Cornwall County Council

But low-cost airlines, such as Air South West and Ryanair, which form the bulk of the airport's traffic, pay lower charges than BA which dropped its routes between the South West and Gatwick in October.

Restormel leader Joan Vincent, said: "We have had concerns for some time about our budget. We already have a shortfall of �1.7m and to find extra money is well-nigh impossible.

"We have considered putting a levy on all passengers using Newquay Airport, but Ryanair said it would pull out if we did that."

The council has asked other Cornwall district councils to pay �50,000 each, but has been refused.

Ms Vincent said: "It is only fair that the whole of Cornwall pays and that is why we have made the recommendation."

John Lobb, leader of Cornwall County Council, said privatisation of the airport could be on the cards.

He said: "We have to look at the potential for increasing Newquay's income.

"Newquay is very important for Cornwall's economy, but there are limits to what the councils can do at Newquay.

"The county council will need to look very carefully at how to make sure that this tremendous asset is maintained and there might be a role for the private sector in that."