Originally Posted by
El Bunto
So, only a certain number of business folk should be able to fly from an airport because... socialist central planning? If that's your philosophy on transport then just renationalise the airports and stop pretending to promote a capitalist market.
London City has a practical limit on aircraft size because of its geographically-restricted dimensions and steep approach, though an A319 has demonstrated non-revenue operations there. Belfast City can handle a ( lightly-fuelled ) 757 at a pinch.
Your point doesn't follow....
Even the most ardent Capitalist is subject to the governance of the state in which they operate. That state should organise things to gain maximum efficiency and productivity from their subject citizens and businesses. The relationship is symbiotic as the business needs things from the state to maximise their earnings from the market they operate in. Regardless of what airport you may prefer, surely you understand that market is finite here and oversupply helps noone?
As for geography etc. I wouldn't like to be on the 757 that is screeching to a halt on a wet runway. Pilots of such an operation wouldn't like to be either so don't be unrealistic. Why would anyone want to take the risk of such operation when there is 1000m extra runway 12 miles up the road that operates 24/7. Even if not as geographically challenged as LCY, it has a natural market which is similar.