Airports Commission chairman Sir Howard Davies has faced criticism for his group's indecision over whether or not to support construction of a Thames Estuary airport on the Isle of Grain.

Sir Howard was quizzed by broadcaster Kirsty Wark in front of a large audience at the Runways UK conference in London last Thursday. She put it to him that neither ruling a new Estuary airport in or out in the Commission's recent shortlist of options to take forward represents "a political fudge".

Sir Howard responded with the quip: "You may say that but I couldn't possibly comment." He went on: "We concluded that we could neither sensibly rule it (the Estuary airport) in or out based on the information at our disposal. We need to ensure that all decisions we make are defensible and soundly based and that is why we are doing additional work."

He earlier told the conference that a six week consultation has just been launched by the Commission setting out how shortlisted schemes will be appraised. In December the Commission's interim report said it will take forward two options for increasing runway capacity at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. Further work is needed, it said, over whether to include the Isle of Grain on that shortlist.

"Aviation demand will continue to grow, all be it not as fast as thought pre recession, and airports in London and the South East will fill up over the next five years," Sir Howard added. "One new runway is needed by 2030 and Heathrow and Gatwick are the most credible in our view."

(Photo: Michael Gray)

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.