A study from ABTA has revealed that almost half of the travelling public support runway expansion in the south east, with just 16 per cent against it.
Following today’s (November 11) public consultation launch by the Airports Commission into the shortlisted options at Gatwick and Heathrow, the ABTA study shows 46 per cent of the public want the scheme at either airport to go ahead.
The Commission has shortlisted three options – a third runway at Heathrow or an extension to one of the current runways and a second runway at Gatwick.
ABTA said as well as positive public support, there is also a “clear understanding” in parliament for the need for “urgent action” on airport capacity, with previous ABTA research showing that 71 per cent of MPs agree that the UK will be left behind if there is no clear, imminent plan on expansion.
ABTA CEO Mark Tanzer said: “It is encouraging that the public and politicians alike recognise the need for increased airport capacity.
“With more people welcoming new runways than opposing them the pressure is surely on for the Government to take a clear plan forward once the Airports Commission delivers its final recommendation next summer.
“There are undoubtedly concerns over noise and environmental impacts, as well as the costs of delivery and these must be openly discussed as part of this consultation. But, in our view the case for additional capacity is overwhelming – and will be fundamental to ensuring vital growth and jobs for the longer term.”
He added: “It’s essential now that we are transparent about the benefits of expansion and mindful of the huge risks we face as a country to our prosperity and competitiveness if urgent action to deliver capacity isn’t prioritised in the next Parliament.”