Say A Third Runway Is the Best Option For The Health Of The U.K. Aviation Industry

A third runway at Heathrow Airport is the best option for expansion of airport capacity in in the U.K., according to the heads of five U.K. regional airports.

Buying Business Travel reports that the group consisting of the CEOs and managing directors of Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford Glasgow, Liverpool John Lennon, and Newcastle airports said in a joint letter to the Airports Commission that expansion is "the right choice" when a decision is finalized next year. “The health of the UK aviation industry is not about the success of one airport, but the success of all our airports, each performing a vital role,” the letter said.

“Heathrow’s role is as the UK’s hub, one of only six worldwide with more than 50 long haul routes and expansion there would create over 200,000 more slots. For expansion to benefit the whole country there must be a mechanism in place to strengthen and secure domestic connections to the UK’s hub. We will be backing Heathrow expansion in the Airports Commission consultation as the right choice for the whole of the UK,” the executives said in the letter.

The group said that Heathrow currently operates at about 98% capacity, limiting slots for domestic routes and connections meaning passengers have fewer choices when flying through Heathrow.

(Image from file. Artist's concept of expanded Heathrow airport)

FMI: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/airports-commission