Inside London's Airports Policy

The book "Inside Londons Airports Policy" explores the history of London's airport policy, considering the factors that shaped it and the challenges faced in making decisions. It covers key events and studies from the mid-1970s to the present day, including the Maplin project, the Heathrow Terminal 5 Inquiry, and the Airports Commission of 2012-2015. The book provides insights into the decision-making process and offers comparisons with airports in other countries. It is written in a straightforward style and will be of interest to anyone with an interest in aviation, airports, and transport.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2018
Publisher: ICE Publishing

The policy of the world's busiest aviation city has been shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including political, economic, and social considerations. This essay will explore the role of politicians, planners, and communities in shaping the policy of London's airports and the challenges that have been faced in making decisions about airport expansion and development.

Politicians have played a significant role in shaping the policy of London's airports. In the mid-1970s, the Maplin project was cancelled, which led to a period of incremental growth with new terminals at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. However, the early 1990s saw a policy vacuum, and the Heathrow Terminal 5 Inquiry was launched to address concerns about the impact of airport expansion on local communities. The 2003 White Paper outlined a long-term strategy for airport expansion in the UK, which included the development of a new airport in the Thames Estuary. However, the Airports Commission of 2012-2015 was launched to review the current airport capacity and identify options for future expansion.

Planners have also played a key role in shaping the policy of London's airports. The London Plan, which was adopted in 2008, included provisions for the expansion of Heathrow Airport, but also emphasized the need to protect local communities and the environment. The Mayor of London's Office has also commissioned several studies to assess the impact of airport expansion on the city's transport network and the environment.

Communities have also played a significant role in shaping the policy of London's airports. Local residents have raised concerns about the impact of airport expansion on noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion. There have also been concerns about the impact of airport expansion on local businesses and the economy. In response to these concerns, the Mayor of London has launched several initiatives to mitigate the impact of airport expansion, including the introduction of noise barriers and the expansion of public transport options.

However, making decisions about airport expansion and development has proved to be a difficult task. There are many competing interests and stakeholders involved, and it is often difficult to reach a consensus on the best course of action. This has led to a series of debates and consultations over the years, with different groups and individuals advocating for different policies and solutions.

One of the key challenges in making decisions about airport expansion is the need to balance the needs of passengers, airlines, and the local community. Passengers want access to convenient and affordable flights, while airlines want to operate in efficient and profitable airports. Local communities want to protect their quality of life and the environment.

Another challenge is the need to ensure that airport expansion is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Airport expansion can have significant impacts on the environment, including noise, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to ensure that any proposed expansion is designed to minimize these impacts and to incorporate sustainable practices into the planning process.

Finally, there is the challenge of funding airport expansion. Airport expansion requires significant investment, and it is often difficult for governments and airports to secure the necessary funding. This has led to a series of debates about the role of the private sector in funding airport expansion and the potential for public-private partnerships to provide funding for airport infrastructure.

In conclusion, the policy of London's airports has been shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including political, economic, and social considerations. Politicians, planners, and communities have played a significant role in shaping the policy, but making decisions about airport expansion and development has proved to be a difficult task. It is important to balance the needs of passengers, airlines, and the local community, to ensure that airport expansion is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and to secure the necessary funding for airport infrastructure.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 177 x 250 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780727763655