Cornwall business chiefs are set to join political and civic leaders at a summit this month to discuss growing concerns about the latest Government delay in making a final decision to build a new runway in London and the south east.
Discussions will focus on the impact constrained capacity across the London airports network is having on the UK’s domestic connectivity, including the lack of any flights from Newquay to the UK’s only international hub airport Heathrow.
The summit will explore and examine how a new runway in London and the south east could deliver benefits to every corner of the UK, with a special focus on the potential benefits to Cornwall arising from extra hub air links.
Al Titterington, MD of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “Access to a truly global aviation hub is vital for the future economic prosperity of peripheral regions such as Cornwall.
“A decision on capacity extension in London and the south east is needed urgently so that domestic connectivity can be developed, allowing regional airports access to these global markets.”
St Austell & Newquay MP, Steve Double, added: “Securing national connectivity for years to come is a hugely important issue facing this Government and the country as a whole, so I believe a prompt decision on airport expansion is vital.
“Making the right decision – and in a timely fashion – on where to expand will not only decrease the pressure being put on capacity across the London networks, but will deliver many benefits to Cornwall.
“An expansion at Heathrow could bring a connection between them and Newquay. These extra air hub links will help boost the county’s business and tourism sectors, open Cornwall up even further to the capital and from there, to international markets.”
The Newquay Air Connectivity Summit, on April 29, is being staged by the airport expansion campaign group Let Britain Fly in partnership with Cornwall Airport Newquay.
