They’ve also seemed a lot less professional than may be desired, and no doubt have been responsible for a lot of the current mess, but I can’t help but wonder if this was a decent idea but unlucky, unfortunately timed, and not well-executed.
Basing your business plans on a runway extension not yet announced, much less approved seems on the outer edges of "brave"...
The problem with a runway extension is that it will be fought tooth and nail by the local antis.
It wouldn't surprise you, but is there any evidence of opposition locally? Maybe we need to wait until the application goes in formally, but the roadshows didn't seem to attract much opposition.