Ms Alexander said her job as the “decision maker” on airport expansion is to “strike a balance” between the potential benefits of jobs, trade and tourism, with “tough questions”, such as whether the schemes will be compatible with the UK’s climate and air quality obligations, whether noise can be minimised and whether costs will be “shared fairly”.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she “believes in airport expansion”, ahead of the imminent deadline for her decision on whether Gatwick’s second runway plan can go ahead.
In addition to making a decision on Gatwick, Ms Alexander is also required to determine whether Luton airport’s expansion plan can go ahead.
In a speech at the annual dinner of trade body Airlines UK in central London on Tuesday night, Ms Alexander said: “Some might say the current national debate about airport expansion highlights a fundamental tension between growing the economy, whilst protecting the environment.
Road connections to both terminals would be enhanced, paid for by Gatwick, with flyovers to separate local traffic from vehicles travelling to or from the airport.
