Institution responds to the publication of third runway plans by Heathrow

The Institution's Philippa Oldham says there needs to be a detailed cost-benefit analysis of where the UK’s hub airports should be located – looking at the potential expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted.

Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the publication of third runway plans by Heathrow:

“The South East is predicted to reach full airport capacity by 2030 if nothing is done. Government needs to urgently develop a clear strategy on how to meet the rising demand for UK airport capacity, or else risk losing huge investment and job opportunities to other rival European airport hubs.

“There needs to be detailed cost-benefit analysis of where the UK’s hub airports should be located – looking at the potential expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted.

“A third runway at Heathrow could have a number of benefits, apart from just increasing passenger capacity. This additional runway would mean aeroplanes would potentially spend less time circling over London waiting for landing slots, thereby reducing fuel usage, the environmental impact of flying and noise for local residents.

“Heathrow already has much of the necessary infrastructure in place however there would be a need to upgrade this to accommodate this extra passenger capacity.”