Airport News
Below are news items relating to specific airports
Ryanair quits Manchester with loss of 600 jobs
Ryanair is to close or switch 9 of its 10 routes at Manchester airport from October. It blamed Manchester airport's refusal to lower its charges for the decision, which will mean the loss of up to 600 local jobs. A total of 44 weekly Ryanair flights will be lost at Manchester from October 1, with the loss of 60,000 passengers a year. Ryanair's Manchester routes to/from Girona, Bremen, Brussels, Cagliari, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and more, will cease.
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Heathrow runway court hearing welcomed by Chiltern campaigners
Conservation groups in Buckinghamshire have welcomed the news plans for a new runway at Heathrow airport will be reconsidered. say planes would fly lower than they do currently over a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and would increase pollution and ruin the area's tranquillity. Tranquillity measurements don't reflect the perception of noises against different backgrounds, and noise is heard differently in quiet areas. (Bucks Free Press)
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Leeds Bradford – Jobs created by new Ryanair base
Ryanair is to set up a base at Leeds Bradford, allegedly creating hundreds of jobs. O'Leary said the announcement would have a "significant impact" on the Yorkshire region - and sustain 1,000 jobs. The airport is on course to almost double in size after planners recently gave permission for a £28m development. Ryanair will offer 14 new routes and 63 weekly return flights to and from Leeds Bradford in an investment of over £84m in the airport. (BBC)
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New Heathrow terminal plans unveiled
BAA has unveiled plans for the new £1 billion Terminal 2 which will become the new home for Star Alliance airlines and will provide an estimated 20 million passengers every year. The development of Heathrow’s Terminal 2 is part of a £4.8 billion investment across the airport. Construction on the first phase is due for completion in 2013, and phase 2 in 2019. It will increase the capacity of Terminal 2 to 30 million passengers a year. (NCE)
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Heathrow’s bumper July gives BAA hope of recovery
Heathrow had its third busiest month in July in the latest sign that "the worst of the UK aviation downturn may be over." It handled 6.48m passengers, up 0.9% year-on-year – though total traffic for the latest 12 months is down 3% at 65.7m passengers. BAA’s total passenger numbers fell for the 16th consecutive month, down 2.4% to 14.5m. The surge was partly due to families giving up on hopes of English sun and booking last-minute breaks abroad.
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Bristol Airport flights mapped
Campaigners at Bristol have produced flight maps, showing that flight paths have deviated from regular routes and the extent of the Bristol area where planes fly. More planes travelling wide of regular flight paths will cause more suffering for local residents. Plans for 10 million passengers, and 13.8m by 2030 can only mean that things are going to get much worse. The airport is rubbishing the study. Consultation on expansion closes on 17th August.
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BAA expects rise in Heathrow passenger numbers
BAA showed a rise in July passengers at Heathrow of 0.9% compared to July 2008. Total passenger numbers across the group – including all BAA UK airports showed a marked slowdown in the rate of decline, down -2.4% on July 2008. It says this reinforces the claim that it does not need to sell Gatwick to meet a £1bn debt payment. The company argues it can make a crucial £1bn debt repayment next March without having to sell assets or access new capital. (Guardian)
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Bristol airport planes off track
A dramatic image released by the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion campaign shows just how many flights from Bristol International Airport are spreading out from standard flight paths. The image shows flights departing from BIA during one week at the end of May. The data illustrates just how wide an area flights from BIA have covered. Plans for 10 million passengers, and 13.8 million by 2030 can only mean that things are going to get much worse. (SBAE)
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Heathrow expansion protesters win legal challenge
The case against the expansion of Heathrow will be heard in public later this year after a High Court victory by a coalition of green groups, councils and local residents. The judge ruled that the case for the 3rd runway must be held in open court because of the public interest element. A 3-day hearing, expected in the autumn, could pave the way for the full judicial review. Mrs Justice Dobbs said there are some areas in which clarification is desirable. (FT)
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