Completion Not Expected Until 2019 At The Earliest

Despite strong opposition from environmental groups, the British government gave approval last week for the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport. Although the project won't be completed until 2019, officials state the move to increase capacity is necessary to compete as a major European destination.

Speaking before Parliament, British Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said, "Doing nothing at Heathrow would allow extra capacity at other hub airports like Frankfurt and Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Charles de Gaulle (Paris). Doing nothing will damage our economy and have no impact whatsoever on climate change."

Hoon said advancements in aircraft technology will effect an overall reduction in noise levels and pollution, even with the third runway. But one aspect of the project that has drawn huge opposition is the necessary demolition of residential areas to clear an area for expansion.

Councilor Ray Puddifoot, whose borough of Hillingdon includes the areas to be razed, said, "It is devastating for the people that live there, for the homes, the jobs, for the schools. It's an immense decision, a totally unnecessary decision. This is (Prime Minister) Gordon Brown sucking up to business, and he's doing it at the expense of people, and at the expense of the environment."

Numerous detractors of the project have vowed to fight it in court, including London Mayor Boris Johnson, more than 40 parliamentarians, and the environmental group Greenpeace.

CNN reports Greenpeace bought up a tract of land in the intended expansion area, and announced a plan to divide it into tiny portions to be sold to supporters worldwide, slowing down the project with a log jam of legal challenges.

As ANN reported, Unite union members have supported the third runway, arguing that it will mean increased job security for current airport workers and new jobs for thousands more.

Joint general secretary Derek Simpson said, "There can be no further delay in the modernization of Heathrow, the UK's only international hub airport. Heathrow should be the jewel in our crown but it is falling behind world class standards.

"We know that the expansion of Heathrow is not an easy decision. People are concerned for the environment and their quality of life. But we sincerely believe that Heathrow's modernization is the only way to reduce aircraft emissions and cut disruption."

FMI: www.heathrowairport.com