Air Pig- your example is typical of the sort of arguements everyone makes to retain favourite base - there are many other places a C-17 can land with an Ebola patient for example
I'm sure Mostafa is making a some decent points from an ATC view but my whole point is that it will never be viewed on those grounds by the people who take the decisions. It is not simply a military decision now the politicians are involved - you may dislike the idea intensley but it 's now a fact..
As for UK Defence I think it's currently a b***** discgrace - we desperately need a politcian in a position of power to start banging the drum on this (I'm not holding my breath).
What is needed is more personnel, more money for personnel and a focus on useful kit. Real estate is not even 50th on the list of priorities ..................