Additional runway capacity in the South East has come a step closer following the Airport’s Commission’s conclusion that there is a need for one net additional runway by 2030.
The government-backed commission has identified two runway options at Heathrow and one at Gatwick to go forward for further study.
In addition, it did not rule out the “Boris Island” option – a new airport in the Thames Estuary – though it said that this would need more detailed study.
The report has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association. Chris Welsh, general manager – global and European policy, said additional runway capacity was urgently needed to enhance the global air cargo hub status of Heathrow.
“Maintaining a global hub located in the UK is vital to the economy and our international competitiveness is likely to be impaired unless current airport capacity is expanded to cater for growth in international trade.”
The CBI also welcomed the findings. Director general John Cridland said: “There is now overwhelming evidence that direct flights open doors to new trade, but with capacity in the south-east set to run out as early as 2025, we need to see urgent action as soon as the Commission’s final recommendation is delivered to government in summer 2015.
