The government is set to announce a “formal consultation” on plans for a new airport in the Thames estuary, according to a BBC report.
The news follows the championing of such a facility by London’s mayor Boris Johnson, leading to the idea being dubbed “Boris Island”.
According to the BBC report, the consultation will be announced in March. Prime minister David Cameron is believed to be in support of plans for a new airport, but the Lib Dems are opposed to all airport expansion in the south east of England.
Since expansion at Heathrow was ruled out by the coalition government in 2010, there have been several plans put forward for a new offshore airport. These include the so-called Boris Island, Lord Foster’s Isle of Grain, and the London Gateway at Cliffe.
Virgin Atlantic has welcomed the possibility of a formal consultation, releasing the following statement:
"In a week when the Chancellor has been championing the need for more investment from, and business with, the far East, it is welcome to see the Government finally admit that the current capacity problem in the South East cannot be allowed to continue. The UK is becoming hamstrung by our lack of opportunity for growth and risk losing valuable business and tourism to our European competitors.
"We look forward to being a full participant in the consultation. However, we believe the Government should consider all the possible options, not just a Thames Estuary airport. The UK needs one strong and viable hub, and the impact on jobs and business of moving this away from West London must be considered."
To take part in the debate on Business Traveller’s forum on a possible airport in the Thames estuary, click here.
