Survey results from a study by the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has revealed that as many as 53% of scheduled airlines have either decided to, or are preparing to, base flights in other countries than the UK because of Heathrow's lack of capacity. Tellingly, 86% of airlines surveyed said they would put on more flights to the UK if additional take-off and landing slots were available at Heathrow.
Colin Matthews, chief executive of BAA, said that the figures show it is a mistake to believe that flights displaced from Heathrow will automatically fly to Stansted, Gatwick or Birmingham instead and that if there's no room at Heathrow then flights will move out of the UK altogether.
Mike Carrivick, chief executive of BAR UK, which represents 84 scheduled airlines, said: “UK business leaders should be very concerned about the restrictions on reaching new markets at such a critical time in the UK recovery effort.
“The survey's results are a chilling reminder that the Government must act decisively, and soon, in the national interest. Restricting capacity at key airports to the same level as the last decade is actively encouraging airlines and trade to go elsewhere.”