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Additional runways at both Gatwick and Heathrow are needed, with market forces determining which should be built first, according to Abta.
The association today urged the Airports Commission to call for planning permission for new runways at both airports.
The call came in response to the commission’s final consultation on the location of a new runway.
The government should also act urgently upon the commission’s recommendations, expected after the General Election in May.
Additional capacity is essential at both capacity-squeezed airports to cope with growing passenger demand, Abta said, adding that both Heathrow and Gatwick have made “compelling cases” for expansion.
Abta believes it is appropriate that both Gatwick and Heathrow are given the go-ahead for planning in the next Parliament, with market forces and passenger demand dictating which runway is built first.
While the commission will recommend only one net additional runway, it has also said there will be demand for a second new runway to be operational in the south-east by 2050.
Abta claims that there is a growing understanding in Parliament of the need for urgent action on airport capacity, with research carried out by ComRes finding that seven in ten MPs agree that the UK risks being left competitively behind if a plan to increase airport capacity is not adopted in the next year.
This is in addition to improving public perceptions of the benefits of aviation, and the different proposals by Gatwick and Heathrow to mitigate the negative impacts of expansion on locally affected areas.
Abta’s submission also highlights a number of points for the commission to consider covering the importance of well-connected regional airports, as well as efficient and resilient surface access to airports.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Increasing airport capacity is essential to the UK’s growth and global competitiveness; urgent action is needed.
“The Airports Commission has identified the need for two additional runways in the south-east by 2050, and their detailed and extensive work should be used by the government to produce a long-term vision for the UK’s aviation industry to 2050.
“This should involve planning permission for an additional runway at both Gatwick and Heathrow.
“Delivering either option will come with its challenges, and both airports will have a responsibility to bring the airlines, their passengers, and the local communities affected, along with them on their expansion journey.”