Originally Posted by
LEEDS APPROACH
Population does = big airport. Name anywhere in the world where that very basic principle doesn't follow.
To use your own words, it's a very basic principle. That's how you're using it - as a very basic principle. I don't deny the basic principle but my point was that there are a multitude of other factors that need to be taken into consideration. That's why I say you're being too simplistic.
Originally Posted by
LEEDS APPROACH
I think only someone with an interest in MAN would say that LBA works sufficiently. It simply does not.
The operative word here is "sufficiently". No one denies LBA's limitations, but despite it's constraints it is a thriving regional airport. It works "sufficiently" well that there is very little enthusiasm in investing a lot of time and money in closing the place down and setting up shop somewhere else.
I am not remotely interested in MAN btw. I've actually gone on record on PPRuNe as being opposed to MAG's takeover of STN. But that's another story.