'Disappointment' At Heathrow Plans

Bosses at Edinburgh Airport have responded to today's recommendation to create a third runway at Heathrow.

The Airports Commission has backed plans to expand the UK's biggest hub instead of Gatwick, although the UK government will make a final decision.

Edinburgh Airport claims the expansion at Heathrow is not a deliverable for Scottish passengers: “We’re disappointed with today’s announcement. We’ve been clear in our argument that expansion at Heathrow is not deliverable and as a result there can be no increased capacity in the south east. Long-haul flights can’t fly from a runway that won’t be built.
 
“Gatwick is the more deliverable option for Scottish passengers and we’re urging the government to make a quick decision on this.”

Meanwhile, the announcement has received a mixed reaction from the business community.

Liz Cameron, Director and Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Airports Commission has spent a considerable time assessing the options for the expansion of airport capacity in the South East of England and it is now time for the UK Government to act with urgency to put this recommendation into practice. 

“The Commission has concluded that the third runway at Heathrow provides the most economically advantageous option for the UK.  It is now the duty of Government to put the economic future of Britain ahead of politics and deliver what business needs.

“The expansion of capacity at Heathrow has many potential benefits for Scotland, but only if our air links to Heathrow improve.  We want to see more slots at Heathrow reserved for domestic air services, allowing services from Inverness to be re-established and ensuring a competitive market for Scotland’s other principal airports.  With these in place, an expanded Heathrow will be an essential component in developing Scotland’s international connectivity and our exporting potential.”