Johnson, who along with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is seen as a front runner to succeed Cameron as prime minister, has said that a third runway at Heathrow is “undeliverable” and has vowed to “fight to the last ditch” against the plan.
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Rob Gray, Back Heathrow’s Campaign Co-ordinator, said he was “delighted” by the announcement. The busiest airport in the country is Heathrow, operating at ninety eight percent of its capacity and the second one is Gatwick.
The decision by the commission does not leave the new runway as the only option.
“It would lead to the greatest increases in noise, in air pollution, and in climate-damaging Carbon dioxide emissions”.
Recommended measures for reducing the impact of a bigger Heathrow on people nearby or under aircraft flight paths include a ban on all night flights, a legally binding “noise envelope” and the creation of a fund to finance mitigation programmes such as home insulation.
Environmental and residents’ groups had also opposed expansion at Heathrow.
Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith said the study had been a waste of time and money and insisted a third runway at Heathrow would not go ahead.
The government says it will not make a “snap judgement” and will digest the report fully.
‘It is of course for the Government to decide’
. The new runway would also add around 40 new destinations, including 10 to 12 long-haul routes, the commission said.
The issue was so toxic that politicians created an independent commission to weigh the options – and to make a recommendation.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said.
According to the report, the proposal of a new runway at Gatwick was feasible, but the economic gains from the expansion would be lesser and it would be more focused on short-haul intra-European routes. It is quicker simpler and quieter. Whatever happens next, it seems certain a new runway can not be delivered for at least a decade.
“The report leaves open the possibility of expansion at Gatwick but concludes the economic benefits would be considerably smaller”. Business leaders are arguing that the decision has taken too long already, and that the nation’s competitiveness could falter in a globalized world.
He said: “This debate has never been about a runway, it’s been about the future we want for Britain”.
If those conditions are met, I am excited at the prospect of creating a world-class transport system that will allow London to become the world-leading, forward-looking and connected global city that it can be.
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Though Cameron told the House of Commons on Wednesday that the government would make a decision by the end of the year, it is unlikely any work will start soon – if for no other reason than that lawsuits are likely to follow any proposal.
