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Almost half (45 %) of the travelling public agree that there should be a new runway at either Gatwick and Heathrow, latest Abta research shows.
Just 16% do not welcome either option and 39% remain neutral, according to the study released at the Airports Commission started a three month public consultation into the three shortlisted options.
These are third runway at Heathrow, an extension to one of the airport’s current runways, or a second runway at Gatwick.
Additional Abta research found that 71% of MPs agree that the UK will be left behind if there is no clear, imminent plan on airport expansion.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “It is encouraging that the public and politicians alike recognise the need for increased airport capacity.
“With more people welcoming new runways than opposing them the pressure is surely on for the government to take a clear plan forward once the Airports Commission delivers its final recommendation next summer.
“There are undoubtedly concerns over noise and environmental impacts, as well as the costs of delivery and these must be openly discussed as part of this consultation. But, in our view the case for additional capacity is overwhelming – and will be fundamental to ensuring vital growth and jobs for the longer term.”
Tanzer added: “It’s essential now that we are transparent about the benefits of expansion and mindful of the huge risks we face as a country to our prosperity and competitiveness if urgent action to deliver capacity isn’t prioritised in the next Parliament.”
His comments came as commission chairman Sir Howard Davies warned said that making no decision after the general election would pose significant risks to the future of the UK economy.
“You could start to see some quite unpleasant things happening from the point of view of the UK economy,” he said.
Airlines and businesses could start to “marginalise” London in favour of other airports in Europe if there is insufficient connectivity, he added.