London’s airport capacity is underused with some airports having more than half of their runway slots free, says a London Assembly report.
It claims even Heathrow – at 99% runway capacity – could potentially fly 20 million more passengers every year if larger aircraft were used.
The Transport Committee’s report – Airport Capacity in London – suggests existing airport capacity in London, including at busier Heathrow and Gatwick airports, could be used more effectively.
The research commissioned by the Assembly shows:
Stansted Airport: 47% of runway slots are available
Luton Airport: 51% of runway slots are available
Gatwick Airport: 12% of runway slots are currently available
The report says improving transport access from central London to Gatwick, Luton and Stansted is needed to encourage passengers away from Heathrow.
Data published by the Committee shows that London’s airports mainly serve local geographic areas and that local demand may be a major influence in determining where airlines chose to fly.
In 2010 London airports served 127 million passengers of which approximately two thirds (85 million) were from the East or South East England and 47 million passengers were travelling to or from a London borough.
Caroline Pidgeon, chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, said: "Evidence we received shows that the Airport Commission must examine whether better use of existing airport capacity could be an intelligent cost-effective alternative to building new airports or runways.
"The need for additional hub capacity is also under debate, with strong data showing rather than runway capacity limiting airlines ability to fly to emerging markets, it could be low passenger demand from each airport’s geographical area.
"The challenge for the government and decision-makers is to find the best way to support the UK’s economy globally while ensuring Londoners are not adversely affected by worsening noise and air pollution from planes flying over the capital.
"In the short term using existing capacity in a smarter way may be the most cost effective solution.
Later this year the Airports Commission will produce its interim report on the UK’s future aviation requirements.
