Liverpool explores potential link between John Lennon Airport and Heathrow

A new group has been set up to explore the possibility of connecting Merseyside with London via John Lennon Airport (LJLA).

The move follows a meeting held at LJLA today (May 23) between Heathrow chairman Lord Deighton, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and various business leaders from across the City Region.

Lord Deighton, who was at Liverpool to lobby support for a third runway at Heathrow, agreed to form the group following a suggestion by Mayor Anderson.

Commenting on the decision, Mayor Anderson said: “I am very pleased that Lord Deighton took this idea on board. It is vital for the city region economy that we have better connectivity not just throughout the region and nationally but throughout the world.

“Having a link to Heathrow would not only be of enormous benefit to businesses but would also open up worldwide destinations to local people and boost our tourism industry but making it so much easier for more visitors to come here.”

Now, the Liverpool Mayor is calling on the government to come to a decision on the third runway quickly “for the sake of the country’s economy”.

Speaking further, Mayor Anderson said he has supported Heathrow’s expansion plans for a number of years.

He continued: “[Lord Deighton] was impressed by the growth in the city region’s economy and that we will have tens of thousands of visitors attending the International Festival for Business.

“However, we can accelerate that growth and attract even more businesses if we can make the link to Heathrow a reality.”

Mayor Anderson explained that the third runway is “of economic significance” not just for the South East, but for the country as a whole, adding: “We are trying to make sure that Liverpool is among the main beneficiaries”.

Earlier this year, Liverpool City Council acquired a stake in John Lennon Airport.

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