COMMENT SPECIAL: Why is Sunday, 29 October important?

Three Things Stand Out.

The clocks go back (in the UK) and you gain an hour’s extra sleep.

The airlines (northern hemisphere ones) go from summer to winter timetables.

And the final representations must be made to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the proposed Gatwick Airport Northern Runway further utilisation.  

The cut-off is 23:59 on 29 October 2023. Go to this website!

The first two items are routine and we all deal with them twice a year.

The third is unique with Gatwick making an enormous effort to lobby the inspectorate. It is asking anyone with an interest in ensuring the airport’s future to complete the easy to e form before the deadline.  It points out that a recent YouGov poll showed that nearly 80% of local residents supported the airport’s plans.

Travel News Update has made a representation making the following points amongst others.

• Throughout the years there have been numerous projects to increase airport capacity in London and the Southeast of England.  None however have been as innovative as Gatwick’s current scheme to bring its Northern Runway into regular use.

• It is simple and involves no land purchase, normally a problem with any large commercial project of this nature.  It is a plus plus for the local community and businesses. Each year the aircraft get quieter and more environmentally friendly. 

• Gatwick’s Northern Runway works for UK Plc by generating new global connections and new business opportunities.  Air cargo at Gatwick is forecast to double if the airport’s growth plans are approved, not to mention the additional support for the construction industry, as well as for businesses and tourism interests across the region.

• In late 2023 the airline industry is already at 2019 passenger numbers.  If Gatwick cannot offer capacity for the future others will quickly grasp the mantle, with the loss of business for the whole region. Luton has just gained a capacity increase by the government inspectorate and Stansted is pushing ahead for more movements.

Whilst a Heathrow third runway involves demolishing a couple of villages plus most of the hotels on Bath Road and the BA HQ building, plus tunnelling the M25 motorway, Gatwick simply wants to move its existing taxiway inside the existing airport boundary.

As Editor-in-Chief of Travel News Update, and holding the same position at Business Travel News for over 20 years, I would like to convey my strong support for Gatwick’s innovative and sustainable solution to the aviation capacity crisis that London and the Southeast will experience without this state-of-the-art scheme.  I've signed up and my recomendation is  you should too.

https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020005/register/register-have-your-say

Malcolm Ginsberg

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