Boris backs Thames estuary airport

[January 26th 2009]

A major international airport in the Thames estuary could become a reality as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, commissions a feasibility study.

Earlier this month the government gave its support for the expansion of Heathrow airport and the building of a third runway. But there are a number of eminent people, including Johnson and Labour MP Nick Raynsford, who believe that a new airport off the Kent coast could be a much better option.

The engineer who masterminded the island airport in Hong Kong, Doug Oakervee, accompanied Johnson and Raynsford on Friday on a visit to the potential site for the Thames estuary airport.

“I'm encouraged - from an engineering perspective it is quite clear that the Mayor’s ambitions could be realised and the construction would be easier than other airports such as Chek Lap Kok in Hong Kong and Kansai in Japan,” Oakervee said after the inspection trip.

“We have learned that there is a remote site where an airport could be built with minimal disruption to people of Essex and Kent. There are technical issues to be addressed but I see no overwhelming obstacle. We now need to work with other experts to address the challenges,” Oakervee added.

Nick Raynsford, who chairs the new cross-parliamentary group backing the proposal for a Thames estuary airport was also encouraged by his visit to the potential site.

“I have always believed that the estuary was a potential site for London’s main airport and today’s visit has reinforced that view. This will give the prospect of meeting airport capacity for south East England in the most environmentally responsible way,” Raynsford said.

Boris Johnson remains an enthusiastic advocate for a new airport in the Thames estuary rather than the expansion of Heathrow.

“Today’s trip has reaffirmed in my mind that a new airport in the Thames estuary has got to be factored in as an option for London’s long-term aviation needs. I am reassured by a number of aspects of this visit and will now eagerly await Doug Oakervee’s initial feasibility study.”

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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