Airports Commission Supports Third Heathrow Runway

The Airports Commission has voiced its support for a third runway at Heathrow.

In its report, it said the expansion would add a further £147bn in economic growth, and create 70,000 jobs by 2050. It would also provide around 40 new destinations for Britain.

The report by Sir Howard Davies looked at the three schemes shortlisted as an option for expansion, but it was decided the proposal for a new northwest runway at Heathrow Airport presented the strongest case. It also outlined the strengths and weaknesses of the other options. For example, the Heathrow extended northern runway would deliver similar economic benefits, be less costly and require the loss of fewer homes. However, it provides a smaller increase in capacity and is less attractive from a noise and air quality perspective.

The Gatwick scheme was also found to be "feasible", but the additional capacity would be more focused on short-haul intra-European routes and the economic benefits said to be considerably smaller.

The recommendation by the Commission delivers a full-length runway, situated further west than the current runways, which will help to reduce the number of people affected by noise. It is also accompanied by restrictions to try and limit the impact on those living nearby. These include:

• A ban all scheduled night flights (from 11.30pm to 6.00am)

• No fourth runway

• A legally binding 'noise envelope' putting firm limits on the level of noise created by the airport

• A new aviation noise levy to fund an expanded programme of mitigation, including noise insulation for homes, schools and other community facilities.

Sir Howard Davies said: "Over the past 2 and a half years, the Airports Commission has reviewed the evidence without preconceptions, consulted widely, and followed an inclusive and integrated process. At the end of this extensive work programme our conclusions are clear and unanimous: the best answer is to expand Heathrow's capacity through a new northwest runway.

"Heathrow is best-placed to provide the type of capacity which is most urgently required: long haul destinations to new markets. It provides the greatest benefits for business passengers, freight operators and the broader economy. Adding capacity at Heathrow also provides an opportunity to change the airport's relationship with its local communities as some overseas airports have done.

"To make expansion possible the Commission recommends a comprehensive package of accompanying measures including a ban on night flights and a new noise levy to fund a far stronger and more generous set of compensation and mitigation schemes. And as there is no environmental or operational case for a fourth runway, the government should take action in Parliament to rule it out firmly and finally."

In a statement, Heathrow Airport said it "welcomed" the Commission's findings.

John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport, said: "This debate has never been about a runway, it's been about the future we want for Britain. Expanding Heathrow will keep Britain as one of the world's great trading nations, right at the heart of the global economy.

"Our new plans have been designed around the needs of local communities and will meet carbon, air quality and noise targets, and provides the greatest benefit to the UK's connectivity and its long term economic growth.

"The Commission has backed a positive and ambitious vision for Britain. We will now work with Government to deliver it."

(JP)