After vetoing plans for new runways at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick, the government is now looking to lay down a new plan for aviation.
The Department for Transport has published a scoping document for a new UK aviation policy, which it is now asking stakeholders in the industry to comment on.
Transport secretary Philip Hammond said UK aviation should have a future of growth and prosperity, but the industry must address its environmental impacts.
The central theme of the discussions, from the government’s point of view, will be how aviation can support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions, as well as local noise and air quality issues.
Hammond said: “Aviation is a crucial part of this country’s transport infrastructure, it should be able to grow, prospoer, and support wider economic growth.
“But we are not prepared to support this growth at any price – the environmental impacts of flying, both local and global, must be addressed.”
The DfT has asked a “wide range of interested parties” for their views on the subject, said Hammond.
“Clearly we won’t agree on everything, he said, “but by working closely with key stakeholders at this early stage, we can provide a policy framework for aviation which strikes a balance between different interests.”
Gatwick airport welcomed the government’s invitation to broaden the debate and build consensus on the long-term future of UK aviation.
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport’s CEO, said: “I welcome Phillip Hammond’s acknowledgement that aviation is a crucial part of the UK’s infrastructure and that it should be allowed to grow and prosper.
“We shouldn’t, however, underestimate just how much this industry contributes to the UK economy. It generates over £12 billion each year and keeps over 500,000 people in jobs.”
The government must take full account of future demand, warned Wingate, to sustain a globally competitive UK aviation sector.
To do this, the government needs to carry out a full assessment of existing airport infrastructure, he said.
“We look forward to participating in the review of aviation policy and underlining the importance of airports to our national economy,” added Wingate.