A new airport at Rugby would damage the Midlands’ economy, according to a report published by the region’s two regional development agencies (RDAs).
The study, commissioned by Advantage West Midlands and East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), said that the “case for a new airport at Rugby is weak”.
An airport at Rugby was one of the options put forward in the government’s air transport consultation paper published in July.
In a statement today Alex Stephenson, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, said that the RDA would:
- Support expansion at London Airports
- Oppose development at Rugby on the grounds that it does not make economic sense
- Support East Midlands Airport to become the national air freight hub
- Support limited expansion at Birmingham Airport for passenger traffic
- Support the role of Manchester Airport in serving the population and businesses in the North of the West Midlands
He added that the Rugby proposals would “move the centre of economic activity away from the majority of population in businesses”.
Stephenson said while there are still unanswered questions about the environmental impact of the expansion of Birmingham Airport, retaining and improving it was of paramount importance to the region.
EGi News 23/10/02
