The travel industry is calling on the government to approve a third runway at Heathrow as soon as possible amid fears the decision could have a detrimental effect on the trade.
The controversial decision is thought to be announced at lunchtime today although there has been concern this might be delayed as prime minister Gordon Brown agreed to meet Labour backbenchers to discuss their concerns over the deal.
Airlines and business leaders claimed a failure to develop the runway will result in the loss of thousands of jobs as airlines will favour more modern European hubs.
Protests continued against the plan this week. Greenpeace bought a piece of land within the proposed site and about 200 protesters descended on Heathrow’s Terminal 1.
ABTA again urged the government to push the plan through to alleviate pressure on the airport.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The lack of capacity at southeast airports is seriously impacting the level of service we are able to provide to our customers and will act as a deterrent for overseas visitors to the UK. We need to get a decision from the government as soon as possible.”
Travel Trust Association and TTA Worldchoice managing director Simon Hargreaves agreed, adding: “We are very mindful of green issues, but it would be crazy for the government not to act now to meet current consumer demand for air travel – so a third runway is important.”
The Co-operative Travel managing director Mike Greenacre said the company still opposes the third runway due to environmental grounds. Despite the concerns, two travel agents who live and work near the airport have backed the plan.
Skytrak Travel director Sanjay Kohli said: “I live in Hounslow and I work in the travel industry so it’s a double-edged sword, but I’m for it.”
An E J Travels agent Shiv Upadhyay from Hounslow added: “I can see the residents’ point of view. I live in the area but you get used to [the noise].”