Report says new runway should be at Heathrow

Rob Gray, Back Heathrow’s Campaign Co-ordinator, said he was “delighted” by the announcement.

Opponents of expansion at Heathrow say hundreds of thousands more people would suffer from noise and increased traffic congestion, an issue the Government has already been ordered by the Supreme Court to take immediate action on across the country.

According to the Commission, a new northwest runway at Heathrow Airport will not increase noise above current levels, will provide around 40 new destinations from the airport, and more than 70,000 new jobs by 2050.

“It would pave the way for a fourth runway; even more noise pollution over London and fumes in west London”.

A decision on the expansion will not be made for several months and is likely to face fierce opposition.

A number of high-profile Conservative politicians, including Mayor of London Boris Johnson, have opposed an additional runway at Heathrow.

“The economic benefits of a third runway at Heathrow Airport are way in advance of any other options”.

The government is not expected to respond to the report until later this year and the BBC reports that the Prime Minister’s office is saying it won’t make a “snap judgement”.

‘It is of course for the Government to decide’

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The main loser in the decision is Gatwick airport, although it is still in the running for a smaller expansion. Its expansion under the plan recommended by the commission would cost close to £20 billion ($31.41).

The Airports Commission states that of the three proposed schemes shortlisted, Heathrow provided the strongest case for economic benefit as well as a “significant package of measures to address its environmental and community impact”. It is quicker simpler and quieter. Whatever happens next, it seems certain a new runway can not be delivered for at least a decade.

He added: “The Commission has backed a positive and ambitious vision for Britain”.

A report says Heathrow could provide “urgently required” capacity with a third runway.

Responding to the comments by Mr Wingate that Gatwick was still a contender, he said: “He is not in our race”.

“When Gatwick expands so does the local economy. We will make the decision”.

EasyJet will launch up to 200 flights a day from Heathrow if the airport builds a third runway, chief executive Carolyn McCall has confirmed.

“Expanding Heathrow will keep Britain as one of the world’s great trading nations, right at the heart of the global economy”, he said.

“Adding capacity at Heathrow also provides an opportunity to change the airport’s relationship with its local communities as some overseas airports have done”. So we now enter the most important stage of the process. “While we believe it would be outrageous to burden passengers with the cost of such expensive infrastructure, we will not pay for it”.