Gatwick Airport slams new findings on Heathrow as “manufacturing an outcome to support third runway ambitions”
Gatwick Airport has hit out at the findings of the National Connectivity Taskforce (NCT), which singled out Heathrow as being in need of government attention.
The two London airports have been at loggerheads for months as they both attempt to gain approval to construct a new runway. A decision on which one of the capital’s airports is expected after the May election.
The NCT looked at the need for better connections between London and its airports, and called on the government to “recognise the importance of London airports and Heathrow in particular as a gateway to the world for air cargo from the UK”.
Gatwick called the final report “an exercise in manufacturing an outcome to support Heathrow’s third runway ambitions”. Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “We know others in the industry, including other significant UK airports, share this view. The issue of connectivity is crucial for the UK and is one that stretches far beyond just Heathrow.”
A spokesperson for Heathrow said: “We are pleased the taskforce has recognised that as the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow expansion would offer greater regional connectivity benefits for passengers than any other option.”