Gatwick Second Runway Fears Resurface

Campaigners against the construction of a second runway at Gatwick Airport fear that the possible sale of the airport, when the Competition Comission rules on BAA's ownership of UK's airports, could lead to the new owners pushing forward plans for a second runway.

It is widely believed that of all the BAA airports that could be sold it is most likely that Gatwick will be the one to go. BAA has made a commitment to Heathrow and it appears would not be willing to sell. As a result Gatwick is the most logical airport that would be sold. Due to the investment being made in Heathrow, BAA appear to have put their Gatwick plans on the 'back burner' and current agreements relating to Gatwick Airport mean that a new runway would not be constructed until at least 2019. Campaigners are wary however that this could be easily overturned by MP's if so needed.

The local council has stated however that any new owner would be bound by the legal rules in place that BAA currently operate to. As a result many locals may not have much to worry about.

Image courtesy of kpmarek

Published by: Jon Vickery