A group which opposes the expansion of Stansted Airport has welcomed today’s announcement that a new runway will not be built there in the immediate future.
The Airports Commission has shortlisted three options to build a new runway in the country by 2030 but has not included Stansted.
Gatwick and Heathrow are the two airports which could be where the runway is constructed following the independent review.
Brian Ross, economics adviser to the Stop Stansted Expansion group, said: “We are obviously greatly relieved that Stansted is not on the shortlist.
“The environmental consequences of even one extra runway would have been catastrophic and the fact is that there has never been a viable business case for any extra runways at Stansted. The airport currently operates at less than half of its potential capacity.
“We must now show solidarity with the communities around Heathrow and Gatwick and support their efforts in resisting the threat that they now face.”
In a statement released by the Airports Commission it said: “The Commission has not shortlisted proposals for expansion at Stansted or Birmingham, however, there is likely to be a case for considering them as potential options for any second new runway by 2050. In its final report the Commission will set out its recommendations on the process for decision making on additional capacity beyond 2030.”
Chief executive for Manchester Airports Group, which is responsible for Stansted, said: “Stansted welcomes the commission’s support for measures to increase capacity at the airport in the short term, including improving rail links between the airport and central London. We also support the commission’s finding that Stansted is one of the viable options for a runway beyond 2030.
“Stansted has a bright future, indeed we are the only London airport that can grow substantially in the next ten years. Since we took ownership in February this year we have already signed up new airlines and destinations to meet growing passenger demand.
“Our immediate priority is to continue to transform the airport experience for our passengers.”
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