Business leaders have called for another look at Birmingham Airport after reports a decision on whether to build a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick is going to be delayed.
Reports claim the process has stalled because of demand for more “confidence building” about the environmental impact of a new runway at Heathrow, if the Government backs it – forcing another review.
Bosses from two Midland chambers of commerce say the delay strengthens the case for making better use of Britain’s regional airports.
Colin Leighfield, chair of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s transport group, said HS2 makes Birmingham a stronger option to solve the capacity crisis – as transport from the South East is so easy.
He said: “The Government should use this time to explore how HS2 can be used to support a regional airport strategy as an alternative to expansion in Heathrow. There is more to aviation strategy than environmental concerns.”
The Airports Commission’s recommendations for expanding aviation capacity were published earlier this year. The commission has unanimously concluded that the proposal for a new northwest runway at Heathrow Airport, combined with a significant package of measures to address its environmental and community impacts, presents the strongest case.
Mr Leighfield added: “Focusing the nucleus of economic development in the South East will undo any rebalancing that HS2, the ‘Midlands Engine’ or the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ might achieve.
“The need for a hub and spoke model is a myth. The biggest orders from our main airlines are for ‘hub busting’ aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which can fly long distances without the need for a hub. In any case, it is Dubai that is acknowledged as the ‘world’s hub’ and none of our airports can ever compete with them.”
Mr Leighfield added that Transport for London recently announced that the road and rail infrastructure in the capital is unlikely to cope with the increased number of passengers from a third runway.
The decision that there will be yet another delay is likely to go down very badly with businesses which have demanded that the government “get on” with expanding Britain’s aviation capacity.
Prime Minister David Cameron is still concerned that any decision to back Heathrow will put his “no ifs, no buts” pledge in 2009 that there will be no third runway at Heathrow in sharp relief.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner added: “The delay in the decision on a third runway emphasises the importance of regional airports such as Birmingham Airport.
"While any solution is likely to take years to approve and build, there is opportunity for regional airports to use their free capacity to ease congestion in the south-east. Supporting a network of regional airports will benefit businesses locally and support the rebalancing of the economy, which the government has repeatedly emphasised.
"In addition to recent rail and road investment announcements, the government can further use changes in tax to help make the best use of UK runway capacity.
“We know the government needs to deal with congestion in the South East, but a solution is likely to take years to approve and build. Without a remedial solution in the short to medium term there will be significant consequences on the growth of the economy, as well as aviation.”
