Inquiry into UK aviation as Heathrow expansion reconsidered

A cross-party group of MPs and peers have launched an inquiry into UK aviation as it looks like the Government may re-think Heathrow.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Aviation will invite representatives to give written evidence by 16 May.

It has been set up following concern over the effects the rise in APD may have and the consultation on aviation capacity in the south-east of England.

Brian Donohoe, chairman of the APPG on Aviation, said:"The UK’s aviation industry is at a crucial juncture. Air Passenger Duty will rise next week by twice the rate of inflation and the Government has announced that it is re-igniting the debate on airport capacity in the South East.

"The aviation industry makes an enormous contribution to the UK economy, directly employing more than 352,000 people and paying in excess of £8.6 billion in tax each year as well as contributing more than £50bn to GDP."

The Government may re-look at expanding Heathrow including linking the airport with a London RAF base.

Prime Minister David Cameron and chancellor George Osborne are both being swayed by the argument that London needs more flights to stop Britain falling behind other countries as a place to do business, see previous story.

But transport secretary Justine Greening and deputy prime minister Nick Glegg are still both opposed to a third runway at Heathrow.

Various options are being looked at including developing RAF Northolt on the edge of London which could connect to Heathrow six miles away through an underground link.

A proposal to build a new airport in the Thames Estuary, backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is also still under consideration.

A paper outlining the Coalition’s aviation policy will be published later this year with recommendations for increasing flights in the south-east of England.

By Diane Evans