‘Disappointment’ over delay in third runway decision
Online flight price comparison firm Cheapflights has voiced ‘disappointment†at the government delaying a decision on at third runway at Heathrow.
The company was responding to the announcement from transport secretary Geoff Hoon that a decision on expanding the London hub had been put back until January (see previous TravelMole story).
Cheapflights’ CEO Chris Cuddy said: “Coming so soon after the Air Passenger Duty increase, Cheapflights wonders how serious HMG is about maintaining Britain’s competitive position in the international economy.â€
He described increased landing and take-off capacity for London as a “win, win situation†for the UK – as well as for the local economy and jobs market.
“It will be good for passengers; good for airlines desperate to keep operational costs down; good for the environment through the improvement of air traffic control and reduction of ground handling delays; and above all good for the UK as an international business centre and international aviation hub,†said Cuddy.
“The Government needs to take the right macro-decision to go ahead with runway three in the face of well-meaning but mistaken lobbying from local, environmental and political groups opposed to expansion.”
A spokesman for Heathrow owner BAA said: “Given the complexity of the issues involved, we understand why the government is taking further time to consider these matters.
“We welcome the fact that the Government has now committed to making a decision in January on how we keep Heathrow and this country globally competitive by maintaining our direct access to the world.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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