Heathrow decision to be taken at the end of 2017 - and then face challenges

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Thursday, 20 October 2016

To the dismay of UK exporters and importers and many in the aviation and logistics industries, a final decision on whether to expand London Heathrow or rival Gatwick airport will not be made for at least another year.

Any legal challenges to the decision could add more time to that and construction is unlikely to be completed much before 2030.

In the meantime, a UK Government Cabinet sub-committee will publish its 'preferred option' next week and what is described as a "full and fair" public consultation will follow.

Prime minister Theresa May has told ministers that a decision on increasing airport capacity in the South East has been "delayed for too long" and that it was important to now take a decision "in the national interest".

May's spokesperson said ministers would have a limited period to voice their personal views on the decision ahead of the vote at the end of next year. It was described as a "mature, common-sense approach reflecting the fact that many ministers have long-held views and that ministers are also MPs and some have specific constituency issues that they have to address".

Objections expected

As many as 60 Conservative mps could vote against expansion at Heathrow, where options include building a third runway, or lengthening one of the existing runways.

Airlines and business groups mostly favour expansion of Heathrow, which offers far more direct connections than Gatwick and handles much more freight.

Infrastructure around Heathrow (warehouses and logistics companies' offices as well as hotels and car rental outlets and proximity to public transport) is such that few in the wider aviation community want to see Gatwick selected.

In July 2015, the Airports Commission chaired by Sir Howard Davies backed a new third runway at Heathrow, but did not rule out the option of expanding Gatwick. It is possible that both airports could be okayed to grow.