Delays in the expansion of UK airport capacity have attracted a good deal of criticism from the freight industry.
The trade association for UK freight forwarders and logistics service providers has expressed its frustration at the news that a decision is likely to be delayed for a further six months.
In June this year an Airports Commission report on airport capacity in the UK proposed the expansion of aviation capacity with a new runway at Heathrow.
British International Freight Association (Bifa) director general, Robert Keen, says: “If reports are to be believed, this latest possible delay is due to environmental and political issues. Whilst I understand the pressures that David Cameron is facing from many senior figures in his own party over the latter, it is difficult to believe that the Airports Commission did not cover all the bases on the former.
“Over the past decades, successive UK governments have shown a singular lack of vision in the face of a massive surge in air transport and consequent pressure on existing airport infrastructure in the South East.
“We need the government to get on with an increase in UK aviation hub capacity by announcing an expansion and improvement of airport infrastructure at Heathrow in order to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub.”
