The government should not forget what Southend airport has to offer in its deliberations over solving capacity constraints.
The message came from the Essex airport which has seen more than £120 million of investment since being acquired by the Stobart Group in 2008.
Speaking after publication of the Airports Commission interim report, Southend airport operations director David Lister said:
“With no new runways proposed before 2030 and the opening in January 2014 of London Southend’s extended terminal, Southend airport is in the unique position to provide travellers to and from London, the ‘simply easier’ travelling experience.
“Our investment demonstrates the significant capacity which now exists at Southend and we can make a real difference to the congestion issues faced across the other London airports.”
New facilities include a train station on the London Liverpool Street line, a runway extension and Holiday Inn hotel.
Five additional aircraft stands have been completed to increase the airport’s capacity. The £10 million extension to the terminal is due to open in the new year.