Birmingham Airport has announced its support for a second runway at Gatwick Airport.
A second runway at Gatwick is among the options short-listed by the Airports Commission for the UK’s next runway. The CEOs of the two UK airports delivered their joint message at the Conservative Party Conference, calling on the Airports Commission that any new runway developments would promote competition and choice across the UK.
Speaking after the event, Birmingham Airport CEO Paul Kehoe said: ‘Passengers and businesses tell us they want to fly direct. With our region attracting over a quarter of the UK’s foreign direct investment, we are clear that the answer is a network of national long-haul airports, plugging all regions into global growth opportunities.
‘Growth at Gatwick will support demand for greater connectivity, improving value for passengers flying from the South East and supporting the continued growth of our regions.’
Stewart Wingate, London Gatwick CEO, added: ‘Competition between the UK’s airports is essential for delivering choice for passengers, businesses and investors across the country. By expanding Gatwick we can harness the strength of the country’s network of great airports, delivering new South East capacity and supporting the growth of connectivity across the UK.
‘This is why we are delighted that Birmingham Airport is supporting our case for a second runway.’
The announcement comes as Gatwick Airport launched its regional road-shows at Chambers of Commerce throughout the UK, outlining how a second runway would offer improved connections for UK businesses, benefiting the economy. Over the next six weeks, Gatwick will visit nine Chambers of Commerce throughout England, Scotland and Wales to discuss the airports capacity debate and the key issues for UK businesses.
