This week we move one step closer (we hope) towards the conclusion of the long-running airport expansion debate as Sir Howard Davies’s Airports Commission closes its final major consultation on a preferred option.
For an island economy like Britain, aviation delivers the international connectivity that makes the UK globally competitive. To maintain this, businesses need access to air services linking them to key and emerging markets on a high-frequency basis.
London businesses overwhelmingly want airport expansion. In our most recent transport survey of 500 of the capital’s business leaders, 54 per cent said Heathrow should be expanded, with 30 per cent opting for Gatwick.
Much of the great airports debate has centred on which one of the airports should be expanded. Few have looked at the broader picture of the UK’s long-term capacity needs. Throughout the process, the London Chamber of Commerce has maintained that both of the UK’s key airports should be expanded. After decades of red tape and political posturing, to raise capacity at just one would be madness.
The Commission’s two shortlisted locations already host airports that are great assets to the UK economy. We believe that sensible and practical future-proofing of the UK economy should see new runways built at both locations — albeit in a staggered approach. This would equip the UK to meet global economic challenges over the next 30–50 years without having to endure yet another commission-type process in a decade’s time. Let’s take the short-term pain now for long-term gain.
It’s unlikely that two major airport infrastructure projects would happen concurrently. As Heathrow is already operating as a successful hub airport, we propose it is prioritised for expansion. Heathrow first, followed by a clear direction for an additional runway to be built at Gatwick, would represent prudent long-term planning for our economy.
However, we must not lose sight of the fact that capacity issues are restricting business growth now. Any new runways would not be operational until the mid-2020s. The UK should not have to endure a capacity gap for the next decade. Short-term measures to improve aviation capacity must be put in place as soon as possible at all London airports.
Though bound to be locally unpopular, more early-morning arrivals at Heathrow would unlock additional capacity and could be enacted by ministers at the stroke of a pen.
While the country is waiting for new airport capacity to come on stream, making best use of existing infrastructure should be an immediate priority, not kicked into the long grass as it is too locally politically sensitive. Improved rail links to Gatwick and Stansted and supporting London City Airport’s growth would give a much-needed capacity boost in the interim.
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We all know that improved aviation capacity boosts the economy — direct flights to new markets can make 20 times more trade possible. The debate now needs to be refocused to consider the country’s aviation needs for the next generation.
There is an opportunity here for those bold enough to grasp it. Sir Howard — and the new government he will report to this summer — should take the plunge and grow both airports.
Colin Stanbridge is chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce.
