ABTA has today called for both Heathrow and Gatwick airports to have an extra runway.
The travel association says they are needed to meet passenger numbers for 2050, rather than just 2030.
It is urging the Airports Commission to call for planning permission for an extra runway at both Gatwick and Heathrow (above) in response to the Airports Commission’s final consultation on where the new runway will be.
ABTA also again urged the Government to act urgently upon the Commission’s recommendations, expected after this year’s General Election in May.
It says both Heathrow and Gatwick have made compelling cases for a new runway, and both cases for expansion are logical: Heathrow is full and Gatwick is operating at full capacity at peak times. Additional capacity is essential at both airports to cope with growing passenger demand, and to ensure a seamless passenger experience.
While the Commission will recommend only one additional runway, they have also said there will be demand for a second new runway to be operational in the South East by 2050. ABTA believes both Gatwick and Heathrow should be given the go-ahead for planning in the next Parliament, with market forces and passenger demand dictating which runway is built first.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “Increasing airport capacity is essential to the UK’s growth and global competitiveness; urgent action is needed.
“The Airports Commission has identified the need for two additional runways in the South East by 2050, and their detailed and extensive work should be used by the Government to produce a long-term vision for the UK’s aviation industry to 2050. This should involve planning permission for an additional runway at both Gatwick and Heathrow.
“Delivering either option will come with its challenges, and both airports will have a responsibility to bring the airlines, their passengers, and the local communities affected, along with them on their expansion journey.”
