“Gatwick’s airline and passenger base is significantly different from that using Heathrow and we remain of the view that there are likely to be benefits to consumers in expanding capacity in Gatwick, including in relation to meeting the demands of passengers in the choice of destinations, enhanced competitive pressure on airlines and the greater resilience of airport infrastructure.”.
There are “benefits to consumers” of Gatwick airport expansion despite the potential of a third runway at Heathrow, the aviation regulator said.
Under the proposal, the maximum increase in the cap for the first two years of the period would be CPI (the Consumer Prices Index measure of inflation) minus 1%, and CPI plus 0% for the final two years.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) made the comments as it announced support for the West Sussex airport’s proposed new commitments over the next four years.
The CAA said: “We have considered the implications of the recent Government announcement in relation to the development of a third runway at Heathrow airport.
