Report proposes four runways at Luton Airport

Thinktank Policy Exchange has today published a report that says that the UK needs a new hub airport located in the South East, and rules out a ‘Boris Island’ Thames Estuary airport option as “too hard to get to for too many people” and beset by environmental and construction challenges.

If Heathrow were “politically unfeasible”, it says, Luton could provide the necessary capacity.

It says Luton is the next best located London airport, being close to a high quality, four track rail line that goes to London St Pancras in 21 minutes “as well as to key cities in the Midlands”.

Report author Tim Leunig says the airport is also close to the M1, “arguably Britain’s most important road”, and proposes a four-runway Luton Hub with two terminals, the first adjoining the M1, the second the Midland Main Line rail route.

He says the disadvantage of Luton over Heathrow is that the terrain is much more challenging, and the location is not as strong.

Arguing the case for Heathrow, he says noisiest aircraft should be banned completely, proposes a complete ban on night flights, and landing planes at a steeper angle.

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