London Airport Expansion
{Update following judges rejection of the expansion plan}
ITM’s buyer members will be mostly frustrated and disappointed that the ongoing saga of finding solutions to London’s airport capacity constraints never seems to progress.
Buyers and users of air travel in the south of England want to see more flight options, fewer delays, competitive pricing and a good traveller experience. Environmental and sustainable considerations should always be integral to any transport infrastructure development plans and we note that other European and regional hubs continue to expand whilst those in the UK’s capital stand still.
ITM recognises that the UK requires an aviation policy which balances the economic benefits of aviation with its environmental and community impact. However, the issue surrounding expansion has been debated for many years without any clear decisive action whilst other countries have not been so hesitant. Successive governments for their own political gain have failed to address the most fundamental challenge facing the aviation industry, namely the pressing need for increased airport capacity.
The current capacity constraints, particularly in the South East, are hurting the UK’s aviation industry, damaging the many businesses reliant upon it; this is also holding back investment in the UK and negatively impacting upon the whole of the UK economy. It is now time for politicians to take some tough decisions.
On 25th October 2016, the Government finally approved a third runway at Heathrow and dismissed for the time being expansion at Gatwick. ITM supports this move and believes a second runway at Gatwick will probably be needed too in the medium term. ITM also support the planned expansion of London City Airport and mixed mode operations where this is a viable alternative (departing and landing on the same runway)
