A NEW runway at Gatwick is among the options that have been shortlisted by the Airports Commission.
The investigation into how to maximise airport capacity in the South East published a three-option shortlist this morning.
Alongside expansion at Gatwick, the commission - led by Sir Howard Davies - also included another runway at Heathrow and the expansion of an existing Heathrow runway as options.
Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate welcomed the report.
He said: "I am very pleased that the strength of London Gatwick's case has been recognised by the Airports Commission and that the short list has been narrowed down to two main locations.
"Expansion at London Gatwick can give the country the economic benefits it needs at an environmental cost it can afford with the lower fares and greater choice that passengers want. It can be delivered more quickly and at lower cost.
"London Gatwick is also uniquely placed to help meet all the different aviation needs of the future. It is the only option which can the deliver the right type of capacity for the UK as it is the only airport serving all airlines models including both low cost and legacy airlines as well as both transfer passengers and people flying direct.
"I believe the critical importance of this to the aviation debate will become far more widely recognised over the coming months."
The commission said a new runway will be needed in the South East by 2030 with another possibly required by 2050.
A potential new airport in the Thames Estuary was not on the shortlist, but the commission will investigate whether is could provide a long-term option.
Launching the report Sir Howard Davies, chair of the commission, said: "Decisions on airport capacity are important national strategic choices and must be based upon the best evidence available.
"The Commission has undertaken a fresh, comprehensive and transparent study of the issues. This report is the product of extensive consultation, independent analysis and careful consideration by the Commissioners.
"The UK enjoys excellent connectivity today. The capacity challenge is not yet critical but it will become so if no action is taken soon and our analysis clearly supports the provision of one net additional runway by 2030."
A final report is due by the summer of 2015. Read more in this Thursday's paper.
