Outrage over runway decision delay

The Government has been attacked for delaying its decision over UK airport expansion to at least summer 2016.

The Chamber of Commerce branded it ‘gutless’ and the travel industry expressed frustration and disappointment over the decision.

An announcement was expected by the end of this year, following the Airports Commission recommendation back in July for a third runway at Heathrow, but the decision has now delayed until at least summer 2016.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said: "The case for aviation expansion is clear – but it’s vitally important we get the decision right so that it will benefit generations to come.

"We will undertake more work on environmental impacts, including air quality, noise and carbon."

Not ruling out expansion at Gatwick, he said the Government would continue to work on all the shortlisted locations.

Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said the delay was a ‘defining moment’ in the expansion debate.

"There is now a clear choice facing Britain: growth with Gatwick or inertia at Heathrow with an illegal scheme that has failed time and time again.

"We have always maintained that this decision is about balancing the economy and the environment. Expansion at Gatwick would give the country the economic benefit it needs at a dramatically lower environmental cost.

"We are glad that the Government recognises that more work on environmental impact needs to be done. Air quality, for example, is a public health priority and obviously the legal safeguards around it cannot be wished away.

"Even Heathrow’s most vocal supporters must now realise a third runway at Heathrow will never take off a the environmental hurdles are just too high. If they want Britain to have the benefits of expansion and competition they should now look to Gatwick. "

But Heathrow said it remains confident its plans meet tough environmental conditions and will move into the delivery phase.

"Our new plan will connect the whole nation to global growth while providing opportunities for the local community and making Heathrow the most environmentally responsible hub airport in the world. I am confident we can meet tough environmental standards," said John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport.

"We have support locally and nationally from politicians, business, trade unions and the aviation industry for Heathrow expansion. Let’s get on and build a better future for Britain."

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said the delay was ‘deeply disappointing’ and ‘failure to act will only lead to further significant damage to the UK economy’.

Nathan Stower, chief executive of the British Air Transport Association, said the UK cannot continue to put off this difficult but vital decision while international competitors forge ahead.

IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said: "To further delay a decision shows what we have repeatedly said – that party politics takes precedence over what is best for the economy."

And Flybe CEO Saad Hammad reiterated its call on the Government to review its refusal to open up RAF Northolt to a limited number of domestic commercial flights.

It argued this would deliver enhanced regional connectivity to London and Heathrow Airport as well as additional money for both the RAF and HM Treasury and a reduction in noise levels for local residents.

"Given that any new runway will not be built for at least another 10 years, it is surely now time that the hugely underused national asset at Northolt is opened up to 300,000 passengers rather than being just for a privileged few in executive jets," said Hammad.

Dale Keller, chief executive of the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK said: "The Airports Commission spent almost three years – and £20 million, to produce the most detailed independent report of its type ever commissioned. It therefore seems inconceivable that the Government has had insufficient time, or a lack of information, to make the decision it long promised."