Regional airports call for government support following Heathrow decision

UK airports have welcomed transport secretary Chris Grayling’s announcement that Heathrow has won ministerial approval for a third runway, but they have called for the government to show the same support for regional airport expansion.

Grayling said the decision to expand Heathrow had been made ‘in the national interest’, and at the same time he said the government would back other airports looking to make best use of existing runway capacity.

Responding to his comments, Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan said: "Government must now match its support for a third runway at Heathrow with specific and practical proposals to maximise the potential of airports like Manchester in the period to 2030 – the earliest the third runway is likely to be delivered – and beyond that.

"This includes support for schemes like Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will dramatically improve access to the North’s primary international gateway and help secure dozens more direct long haul services to key overseas economies."

East Midlands Airport MD Karen Smart called on the government to support better rail connectivity serving East Midlands Parkway, and to back regional transit infrastructure to link the proposed HS2 Toton to the airport.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport also called for transport improvements. "We have significant capacity available at DSA which can be realised with just one intervention, connecting the airport by rail to the East Coast Mainline, making it the only airport on a mainline along the east side of the country," said airport development director Chris Harcombe.

"Crucially a station at DSA would also be a catalyst for creating new employment opportunities, new housing, tourism and could serve a potential Heathrow Logistics Hub here at the airport.~ The station can be delivered in just five years, at a cost of £170 million which represents a fraction of the cost of many nationally backed government schemes and will return to the economy of the North, £16 per for every £1 spent"

Grayling has warned that Heathrow will only be allowed to build a third runway if it meets certain air quality obligations.

It was immediately welcomed by Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger, who said: "We applaud the Government’s decision today. Heathrow expansion is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that must not be squandered.

"As the UK’s only hub airport, an expanded Heathrow is uniquely placed to enable a transformative increase in airline competition for passengers – that will benefit international tourism, businesses and leisure passengers alike.

"Virgin Atlantic is ready to provide the enhanced choice, lower fares, and award-winning service that passengers deserve, as well as increased connectivity and access to new destinations around the world that exporters and a post-Brexit Britain needs."

Airline pilots’ union BALPA also welcomed the decision. General secretary Brian Strutton said: "BALPA welcomes the Government’s commitment to expansion at Heathrow and reminds all policy makers that airport capacity around the whole UK needs improving."

Local residents, many of whom are opposed to the third runway, will receive a total of £2.6 billion in compensation.

Grayling insisted the new runway would be 100% privately funded. It is not expected to be completed until 2026.

MPs have yet to vote on the expansion plans, which must first be approved by the full cabinet.

Robert Barnstone, from Stop Heathrow Expansion, told the BBC it was a ‘disappointing" day and the government was ‘failing people and failing the environment as well’.

Ken O’Toole, CEO of London Stansted Airport, said: "Ahead of the anticipated decision from Uttlesford District Council relating to our application to increase the airport’s limit on passenger numbers to 43 million per year, we welcome~the statement from Government confirming its support for airports looking to make best use of existing capacity.

"It is vital for the UK economy that the country has the best possible aviation connections and that there is an urgent need to actively support airports, like London Stansted, that can deliver that access now.

"Over the last five years we have increased passenger numbers by nearly 10 million, doubled the number of airlines and secured six new services to the most popular destinations for passengers from the region including Dubai, New York, Boston, Toronto and Washington.

"Building on these successes, we are investing £600 million to improve the airport experience and have submitted a planning application to make best use of our single runway. This will unlock Stansted potential and enable us to serve up to 43 million passengers, deliver 50 percent of London’s expected passenger growth over the next decade and extend the choice of airlines and destinations we serve."