Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to make a decision on where to build an extra runway in the southeast of England by the end of the year.
Speaking after the Airports Commission came out solidly in favour of a third runway at Heathrow, Cameron said the Government needed to fully digest its report before announcing its plans.
The Labour Party, which also supports proposals for a new Heathrow runway, accused Cameron of being ‘bullied’ by London Mayor and Uxbridge MP Boris Johnson, who is among several Conservatives who oppose the expansion of London’s premier hub.
Most airlines, with the notable exception of Ryanair, have welcomed the Airports Commission findings.
EasyJet has announced plans to launch a new base from the airport if a new runway is built, launching additional flights to domestic and European destinations.
As the UK’s largest regional carrier, Flybe said it supported the choice of Heathrow, but said safeguards were needed to protect the interests of regional airlines.
"The new runway capacity must be made financially accessible to the whole of the country, with guaranteed slots at reduced rates to regional operators to make this an asset for the whole of the UK, not just the South East," it said.
"Flybe therefore welcomes the Commission’s recommendation that the Government should alter its guidance to assess Public Service Obligation routes on an airport-to-airport basis, and should use them to support a widespread network of domestic routes into Heathrow. Similarly, we endorse the Commission’s view that the Heathrow owners should offer reduced charges and start-up funding for regional services."
