The owners of Stansted airport today insisted that the bid to build a new runway must not be a “two-horse race” between Gatwick and Heathrow.
Manchester Airports Group reiterated the case for an extra runway at the Essex airport following reports that the Government’s aviation supremo has drawn up a shortlist of options for expansion leaving out Stansted and an Estuary airport. Stansted says it can build a second runway for £4 billion but it would also consider a four-runway airport costing £9.5 billion as an alternative to Heathrow if the Government opts for a hub.
A Stansted spokesman said: “This is not, and should not be a two- horse race. Heathrow and Gatwick appear to be attempting to make this the case to suit their own agendas.”
MAG says expansion at Stansted would be much cheaper than rival airports and would create noise blight for 1,250 locals compared to 258,000 at Heathrow. The airport was bought by MAG earlier this year and it has since announced aggressive expansion of flights by EasyJet and Ryanair. The Stansted spokesman added: “We firmly believe all credible options should be taken forward for more detailed assessment during the next phase of the process. We also believe that Stansted is the right place for new capacity.”
However, Essex County Council opposes a four-runway hub, saying it was a “flight of fantasy” that would be a burden to roads.
