I don't understand why the government can't just say give LHR. LGW and STN a new runway.
How can it be legal for a government to tell three companies that only one can expand it it has the choice as to which one can that is not fair competition and I bet if LGW or STN went to the European courts it would be see as unlawful.
But if this government had any credibility it would plan well ahead for the future and let LGW and STN build a 2nd runway so they could go after the same but ever changing market.
We have already started to see a change in the long haul market with more and more no frills airlines operating flight across the pond a hub airport will be less important to travellers as Aircraft become more capable of longer routes already people have moved from National flag carrier Airlines making the largest airline in the world for international travel RYANAIR with its main European Hub at Stansted so like it or not things change dramatically in the time a decision is made an a runway is built.
Another reason we need more runways at more London Airports is, we all know that the world is changing fast has anyone even realised the threat to the UK. Is huge what would happen if Heathrow was targeted and major damage ment LHR could not operate at all .... LGW is full STN has room but not a peak times ... So what do we do if something happens at LHR ?
It's not rocket science we need to plan ahead.
It will cost this country dear if we stick all our eggs in one Basket sorry Airport.