Potential delay rattles supporters of Heathrow expansion
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A decision by the UK government to delay a decision on Heathrow expansion has rattled supporters of the plan, with UKinbound calling on ministers to ‘act quickly’ to resolve the impasse.
With the current boom in UK inbound tourism demonstrating continuous year on year growth, the need for increased airport capacity to accommodate the growing visitor figures is pressing, the organisation said in a statement.
UKinbound’s chief executive officer, Deirdre Wells OBE commented: “At UKinbound we are extremely concerned at the Government’s decision to further delay their response to the Davies Commission. Inbound visitors to the UK brought £22bn to our economy last year and over 70% of them came by air. Our airport capacity is at breaking point, restricting further growth for this important industry. We need the Government to show leadership and make a decision by the end of 2015 as originally promised.”
“Not only is tourism the UK’s third biggest employer, it is also the 7th highest export earner for the UK, therefore we believe that an investment in our international and domestic connectivity is fundamental to securing long-term economic growth and employment.”
Responding to media speculation how Government will respond to the Airports Commission’s recommendation for Heathrow expansion, a Heathrow spokesperson said:
“The Prime Minister’s own Airports Commission confirmed in July that expanding Heathrow would have the biggest economic benefits for the UK and can be done while reducing noise for local communities and within EU air quality limits.
“We’re confident in our new plan. And what Britain needs now is certainty from Government – let’s get on and build a better future.”
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