Study suggests new runways for London

Print Article E-Mail Article

Three new runways at London airports could be built if UK ministers approve proposals included in the first draft of a governmental aviation study, according to local press reports.

The proposals include several expansion options to allow for the predicted doubling of UK air traffic over the next twenty years. Among the suggestions are new runways at Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, and even the construction of a new airport near the estuary of the River Thames.

The idea of another runway at Heathrow goes against the findings of the T5 planning inquiry earlier this year, which concluded that there was not enough room for a third runway. However, UK transport secretary Stephen Byers said he could not rule out the possibility.

The proposals will be welcomed by business and tourism groups, which have warned that a failure to build more runways would lead to higher air fares and longer delays. The completed study will be published in the Spring.