The Institute of Directors are urging the winners of the next general election to build an extra two runways only months after Heathrow’s third runway was approved, because this is “not enough.”
Business leaders are hoping to set up a fast-track commission immediately after the election, to begin the stages for two new runways.
“The growth in passenger numbers is far ahead of what the Airports Commission said it would be. This is a fast-moving target,” said Dan Lewis, senior infrastructure adviser at the Institute of Directors.
“Whoever wins the next election, they will face a serious challenge in upgrading the UK’s transport and communications network. The years of dawdling on new airport capacity have left us lagging well behind European competitors.”
The IoD, which represents 30,000 UK company directors, believe extra runways in London are necessary due to the commission’s underestimation in the demand for air travel.
“We’re getting on with expanding Britain’s only hub airport – with the new runway on track to open in 2025, doubling cargo capacity and adding 50% more flights. Heathrow continues to support the growth of aviation capacity in the UK in line with strict environmental targets.” said a spokesperson from Heathrow.
It has emerged that Theresa May’s manifesto will not have any mention of Heathrow’s third runway after pressure from critics.
“Because of the opposition, it takes years to build one runway. To try to build three at a time would create a nationwide network of opposition from local resident groups and climate change activists, the likes of which the UK has not seen before,” said John Stewart, chair of anti-Heathrow expansion group Hacan.
He added that the IoD are “living in a fantasy world”.
Heathrow’s controversial third runway is not expected to be completed before 2025 – the IoD have said they want the same process for the new runways but on “an accelerated timescale”