UK airport extension proposals are always a contentious issue,
UK airport extension proposals are always a contentious issue, yet when it comes to Gatwick near London the debate always seems a little more heated. With recent developments in the aviation world, and Gatwick itself earning the title of best major UK airport, could now be the best time to extend its facilities? The above question comes at a time when two applications have been made to Crawley Council which, if permission is granted, will see the construction of extra baggage claim and check-in facilities, as well as additional Gatwick airport parking. The plans have been met by some criticism from both green groups and Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth. However, those who are eager to see extension work at the airport may well be pleased with some recent events. In October Gatwick was recognised as the UK’s best major airport at the 2009 Travel Bulletin Star Awards, beating fierce competition such as Heathrow and Manchester, and being praised for its business during recessionary times, as well as its balanced attitude towards the environment. The feat seems all the more impressive when one acknowledges that the airport is the largest in the world with just one runway. Yet one of the most pertinent arguments from the against camp has labelled the proposed facilities as ‘premature’. This is due to two reasons, the first being an agreement between Gatwick and West Sussex County Council which means that a new runway cannot be built before 2019, and the second being due to the sale of the airport to Global Infrastructure Partners from BAA for 1.51 billion. But to assume that Global Infrastructure Partners will not be eager to develop on the site could be a little naive, especially at a time when the airport is seeing such success. Some people would argue that, if extensions and developments can be made sensibly and by taking the environment into account, the next few years may be the perfect time to move forward with Gatwick. appg1979
