Airports Commission right to focus on existing expansion plans

2nd September 2014

Commenting on the decision by the Airports Commission to reject plans for a new airport in the Thames Estuary, Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Businesses across the UK have long said they want more aviation capacity.

Nearly all tell us that they want this delivered by expanding existing airports, rather than building entirely new ones. "For most firms, the idea of starting from scratch - and fundamentally shifting the economic geography of the UK - was filled with risk. Most companies will support the Airports Commission's decision to focus its attention on the expansion plans put forward by existing airports, rather than the Thames Estuary. "The interests of UK business would be best served if every airport with commercially viable expansion plans received permission to grow. Unfortunately, politics make that possibility remote. So if the Airports Commission only gives the green light to one new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick, it is absolutely crucial that Britain's politicians then ensure it is delivered. -But a future aviation strategy should not just focus on the South East and should involve the strengthening of regional airports throughout the UK. This is vital for economic growth in the regions, and will help to relieve capacity shortages during extreme weather and provide business and holiday travel for people locally.