Govt commences plans for Heathrow expansion

The government has made the first steps in the journey to expand Heathrow Airport by publishing a public consultation on the issue.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly released the publication, which puts forward the idea of a third runway being built at the airport, served by a sixth terminal with access to the road and rail network.

These improvements would enable Heathrow to handle around 700,000 flights a year.

Issuing the publication, Ms Kelly indicated that expansion at the UK's busiest airport was necessary if Heathrow was to continue to provide reliable and comprehensive international connections.

"Heathrow supports 170,000 jobs, billions of pounds of British exports and is our main gateway to the global economy," the transport secretary said. "But for too long it has operated at nearly full capacity, with relatively minor problems causing severe delays to passengers.

"If nothing changes, Heathrow's status as a world-class airport will be gradually eroded - jobs will be lost and the economy will suffer."

Ms Kelly said that any decision on expansion will be compatible with noise and air quality standards and claimed the government understands this issue raises "strong feelings on all sides".

Posted by Graham Greenaway on the 27/11/2007 11:52:23
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