On Tuesday 20th September, Farnborough Airport launched its consultation on its proposals to change the way the airport is operated.
The consultation, which closes tomorrow (Wednesday 18th October), is seeking views on the following proposals to change:
• The existing annual flight limit from 50,000 to 70,000 flights per year
• The existing annual non-weekday flight limit from 8,900 to 18,900 flights per year
• The operating hours on non-weekdays from 8am-8pm to 7am-9pm
• Restricted aircraft weight category from 50-80 tonnes to 55-80 tonnes, and increase the related amount of annual flights allowed within this category.
As many constituents have expressed their concerns over the impact of the proposals, including a large number of responses to our survey, Michael visited Farnborough Airport on 13th October to raise those concerns and to allow the airport to make its case to him.
Following the visit, Michael commented:
“I’m grateful to Farnborough Airport for welcoming me to discuss their consultation on proposals to extend the operating hours of the airport and increase the annual flight limit from 50,000 to 70,000 flights per year.
"I understand the business case for expansion of the airport, which I recognise would be valuable for the local economy. But that must be balanced against environmental and other concerns.
"I’m worried about the increase in pollution and also the loss of quality of life, peace and amenity for my constituents who live under the flight path, and therefore feel that expansion of the airport would be wrong.
"I know many people will have differing views on this topic, and each side has its merits - but the well-being of my Surrey Heath constituents, as ever, is of paramount importance.”
Michael urges constituents to ensure they respond to the airport’s consultation before it closes on Wednesday 18th October. You can find further details here.
Pictured, Michael Gove MP at Farnborough Airport
