Member Article

Decisions on Gatwick and Heathrow expansions delayed 'until Christmas'

There will be no immediate decision made in response to the final report carried about the Airports Commission, according to government sources.

The plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, a second runway at Gatwick or an extension of the existing runway at Heathrow have been discussed by the commission with regards to air pollution and other environmental factors.

The Airports Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, is expected to publish its final report this summer, according to the BBC.

The Financial Times has reported there will be no decision until Christmas.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of aerospace national trade association ADS, said a delayed decision could harm the UK’s global competitiveness: “We don’t have a specific view on just which airport should get a new runway but we need a decision soon,”

“We have been waiting a long time for this.”

In March, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said the airport is currently working at full capacity and expansion was necessary to support growth: “We were delighted to support British businesses by sponsoring the trade mission to Colombia, a year after Avianca announced its direct service from Heathrow to Bogota. Now British businesses are calling for direct flights to other important South American cities - Santiago, Lima, even Medellin.

“These routes can only be sustained through a hub airport, so the choice is to expand Heathrow or force British business people to transfer through Paris or Madrid, handing a competitive advantage to Britain’s European rivals. Heathrow expansion - staying connected - is now urgent. It’s time to get on with it. “

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .