The government announcement yesterday (Tuesday 26th October) that confirms Heathrow third runway approval has lit the touch paper on everything from environmental and housing issues to who will eventually pay for it.
There will be a year of public consultation before making a final decision ahead of MP’s voting on it between 2017 and 2018. The Airports Commission has stated that construction is unlikely to commence before 2020.
Heathrow Airport has welcomed Government’s decision to support its expansion and confirmed it will begin work to deliver the new runway.
Independent polling in June 2016 showed that almost 70% of MPs polled support expansion. Since then the Scottish Government has endorsed a third runway at Heathrow as having the biggest jobs and growth benefits for Scotland.
Expansion of Heathrow is also supported by business, trade unions and airlines as the best solution to Britain’s aviation capacity crunch. Supporters include the CBI, BCC, chambers of commerce across the country, Unite, the GMB, 37 British airports and airlines such as easyJet and Flybe, which plan to operate from an expanded Heathrow. In constituencies close to the airport polling has shown there is more backing than opposition.
John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport said:
“Today, the team at Heathrow start the important work to deliver the vital new runway that the UK needs to compete in the world. A new runway will open trade routes and create jobs up and down the UK. Heathrow will play a key role in making our country stronger and fairer for everyone.
“We look forward to working with Government, businesses, airlines, the CAA and our local communities to deliver an airport that is fair, affordable and secures the benefits of expansion for the whole of the UK.”
A full CGI video of Heathrow’s plans can be downloaded here alongside more information on Heathrow’s plans here.
