Heathrow airport expansion gets go-ahead despite major opposition

Ministers have approved a third runway at Heathrow airport.

This follows deliberations by an airport sub-committee made up of senior Cabinet ministers, and chaired by Theresa May.

Expansion at Heathrow has, however, been long-opposed by a number of high-profile ministers, including Boris Johnson.

‘The step that government is taking today is truly momentous,’ Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said.

BA passengers and crew 'in hospital after emergency landing' en route to Heathrow
‘I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.

‘A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities.

‘This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.’
Heathrow's third runway given the go-ahead by government

He added that the expansion will proceed with a ‘world class package of compensation and mitigation worth up to £2.6billion’, which will include community support, insulation and respite from noise.

It is estimated that the cost of expanding Heathrow will be between £14.6billion and £18.6billion.

Heathrow released a statement saying it is ready to deliver a third runway that is ‘fair, affordable and secures the benefits of expansion for the whole of the UK’.

File photo dated 11/10/16 of a general view of London's Heathrow Airport. The Economy and Industrial Strategy (Airports) sub-committee chaired by Theresa May will choose between a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick or extending an existing runway at Heathrow today. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday October 25, 2016. See PA story AIR Runway. Photo credit should read: Hannah 

However, the expansion still faces a lengthy consultation process before it becomes final.

After the official announcement a public consultation will be held on the effects of airport expansion.

There will then be a final decision by the Government, which will be part of a National Policy Statement on Aviation.

This will then be put to a vote among MPs next year, in the winter of 2017/18.

File photo dated 11/10/16 of a general view of London's Heathrow Airport. The Economy and Industrial Strategy (Airports) sub-committee chaired by Theresa May will choose between a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick or extending an existing runway at Heathrow today. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday October 25, 2016. See PA story AIR Runway. Photo credit should read: Hannah 

The decision ends more than a year of uncertainty since the Davies Commission came out in favour of a third Heathrow runway.

Other shortlisted options were to extend an existing runway at Heathrow, or to build a second runway at Gatwick.
 

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