Aviation: regional airports - Commons Library Standard Note

Published 25 July 2012 | Standard notes SN00323

Authors: Louise Butcher

Topic: Aviation

This note looks at the development and expansion of regional airports outside the South East of England under successive governments.

The Labour Government’s 2003 aviation White Paper generally supported a ‘predict and provide’ approach to aviation. It envisioned demand for air transport increasing over the following 25 years. Consequently, it generally supported the growth of regional airports outside the South East to grow those economies and divert flights away from the congested London area.

The Coalition Government has yet to settle its aviation policy, though it broadly concurs with Labour’s analysis – at least outside the South East. It too is looking to increase capacity in the regions and improve service and efficiency while ensuring that aviation growth is environmentally sustainable. A draft aviation policy framework is currently open to consultation with the final framework scheduled for adoption by the government in spring 2013.

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