CAA says more airport capacity needed in South East
11.01.12
The UK economy will suffer if airport capacity in the south-east of England is not increased, according to a report from aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Without extra runway capacity, customers will face higher fares and reduced choice, as UK airports struggle to handle the growth in aviation demand boosted by emerging markets such as China, India and South America as well as recovery in the UK economy.
CAA chief executive Andrew Haines said consumers and the UK economy would benefit from extra capacity ‘so long as it is delivered in an environmentally sustainable way. However, as we haven't built a single runway in the south east of England capable of handling Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s for over 70 years, the difficulty of increasing capacity is obvious. The challenge facing the Government is to create an aviation policy that stands the test of time - not a policy for five years, but one for thirty years.’
The report warned fares would increase because of lack of capacity, with consumers estimated to pay £1.7bn in fare premiums in 2030 - an average of extra £10 per passenger on a return flight. The CAA also said airlines would focus would be on the most profitable routes, with those to developing nations likely to suffer.
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