Representation by Conan McGlinchey
- Date submitted
- 13 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
This project is vital and long overdue. Having operated into and out of LGW as a commercial pilot, I can see that the airport is hamstrung by only having 1 operational runway at a time. The delays are monumental. The operational restrictions are puinitive to air operations, ground operations and free flow of traffic. Those opposed to the idea clearly do not recognise, or are utterly ignorant, of the real issues. Congested traffic caused by the single runway are holding over the area waiting for the time and space to land. Thousands of tonnes of jet fuel are wasted as dozens of aircraft are sitting on the ground with engines running, waiting for departure. Pushing aircraft closer and closer together for arrival and departure is a safety issue. The list goes on and on. For efficiency and environmental improvements, LGW needs it's second runway. Besides, those in the area, including those who are bemoaning this expansion, either directly or indirectly rely on LGW being active and profitable. Its the archetypal and contradictory "have your cake and eat it" scenario, to which those against the expansion are clearly unaware. LGW needs to become more competitive, more dynamic, more adaptable, and in turn, supports the economics of the surrounding area. You cannot hamstring the airport and restrict it, cut jobs, restrict growth... and then complain of unemployment, lack of access and transport, cry over lack of new companies and jobs in the area at the same time. It is the same contradictory scenario we saw over LHR third runway. Just a sample of things not being recognised by those who are against the expansion. There is a lot more to consider. The benefits vastly outweigh the perceived negatives. I truly believe those promoting the expansion should openly address the nay-sayers in terms they will understand. And a note for those who purchased properties around an airport ans benefitted from the reduced purchase prices because of the proximity to the airport, have no right to now turn 180 degrees and complain of noise, etc. I hope this expansion happens, for LGW and eventually for LHR as well. The region needs it, airlines need it, safety standards need it, wasted fuel would be avoided, air congestion would be lessened around the area... there will be more jobs, more visitors to the UK spending their currency, a needed injection into the economy. Its clear how this should go. I truly hope this project weathers the minority of anti-progress ignorants out there. The people who should be making these decisions are those in the aviation industry, not the Clampit Family in Crawley / Horley, or the 'anti-everything new or improved" dullards riding the Woke/Enviro wave for their own popularity.