The government needs to end the hiatus over aviation capacity in the southeast of England, say business leaders.
The CBI called on the new Conservative administration to “send an immediate signal about its appetite to break the infrastructure impasse”.
Calling for a clear business plan for the first 100 days of the Conservative regime, the CBI urged the government to commit to implementing the recommendations of the Airports Commission to provide certainly about future aviation capacity following its report due this summer.
The CBI said: “Air links are a key catalyst for opening up new markets, creating new trade and export opportunities.
“Any further delays to addressing the UK’s aviation capacity will mean we see the limits of our infrastructure translate into limits on our growth prospects.
“New hub capacity – alongside action that develops our network of point-to-point airports across the UK – will boost connectivity with new markets most effectively. With new technologies already in the pipeline we can meet projected demand growth while reducing noise and emissions.
“The Airports Commission was established with cross-party support to deal decisively with the difficult issue of capacity in the south-east of England – although demand forecasts show the Commission will need to look beyond just the south-east and outline what’s needed for our further runway capacity requirements.
“It is the Commission’s job to balance the economic imperative with environmental considerations and logistical realities to give the new government a politically deliverable solution.
“It is the government’s job to take the tough decision and get on with it.”
British Chambers of Commerce director general, John Longworth, called on prime minister David Cameron to make “irreversible commitments” to new airport capacity in the south-east.
London mayor and newly elected MP Boris Johnson, a vociferous opponent to expansion at Heathrow, is to attend the political cabinet but will not take part in full cabinet meetings.
International development secretary, Justine Greening, another minister known for her opposition to a third runway at Heathrow, continues in her post.