Member Article

Heathrow vows to increase number of UK regional routes if it is awarded third runway

UK transportation hub Heathrow Airport has released an ‘election-style’ expansion manifesto as it looks to turn up the pressure ahead of the government’s decision on a third runway.

The manifesto outlines five pledges that the airport claims will help alleviate environmental and community issues, as well as boost the UK economies and regions.

One such promise is the introduction of new regional routes to and from the airport, which Heathrow claims will help pass on the benefits of increased capacity right across the UK, with the airport mooting new routes to the likes of Liverpool, Humberside and Newquay, were a new runway to be given the green light.

The airport has also suggested that it would create a new £10m Route Development Fund which will provide start-up support for any potential new domestic destinations.

It comes as pressure grows on the government to make a final decision on whether to build an additional third runway at Heathrow, or opt for an alternative way, such as an extra runway at Gatwick.

Commenting as part of the manifesto’s release, Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive Officer of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, bemoaned the government’s sluggishness on the issue and registered his belief that it is damaging the UK economy.

He added: “The brake on expansion at Heathrow is also a brake on UK jobs and growth. While the Government continues to dither, the tally of lost opportunities for UK business continues to mount.

“Valuable contracts remain on ice and this undoubtedly means manufacturers of all sizes, supply chains and regions are losing out.”

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, added: “Business across Britain needs Ministers to act on the Airports Commission recommendation from last July.

“A new runway at Heathrow represents the best chance we have for airports expansion, and today they make clear commitments to boost cargo for exports, and to improve regional connectivity.”