Gatwick Airport has shown continued growth for the past three years, and with the recent addition of Norwegian air’s long haul flights, the airport is becoming a major hub in the UK’s London aviation market. The airport is also in tight competition with Heathrow for a third runway.
With Norwegian starting of their direct flights back and forth to Boston this summer, and committing 50 of their Dreamliners to Gatwick Airport, they are really helping Gatwick to make a case to receive approval for a third runway. Their location in southern England, which is a less densely populated area, might well mean they win the bid for a third runway. Additionally, having a major airline committed to them for long haul routes, and the lower profile of the airport compared with Heathrow, theirs may look like a more feasible proposal.
Heathrow has been facing issues and resistance from various health and pollution groups, as well as the people who live in and around the area, and with the vote delayed until after the elections in June, it won’t be resolved any time soon.
The UK clearly needs to increase their ability to transport passengers in and out of the UK as it is one of the world’s premier destinations for business as well as pleasure. But if they delay too long, they won’t be able to keep up with demand in time to meet the increased need. This will only end up creating problems and forcing customers to find other alternatives and resulting in loss.
As Gatwick has proven with its three year growth and the acquisition of a major long haul airline, it looks as if the automatic decision to use Heathrow might need a rethink.