Birmingham airport expansion in question

Birmingham International Airport expansion plans may have to be scrapped in favour of Heathrow, so that the Government can meet climate change targets says a new study.

In its latest report, environmental group, the Campaign for Better Transport, claims that increased emissions from the third runway at Heathrow will force regional airports like Birmingham to cut flights in order to avoid exceeding national emission targets.

Birmingham airport was hoping to extend its existing runway, tripling passenger numbers from around nine million in 2006 to just over 27 million by 2030. There are also plans for a second runway after 2030.

According to the Birmingham Post, Chief executive Paul Kehoe said:

"At a time when the Midlands economy is in great need of a boost, it would be madness if Birmingham was to suffer at the expense of Heathrow. The south-east is not the whole of the UK and the economic benefits of our plans have been shown to improve the fortunes of our local community."

Solihull Council supports the airport's expansion plans which could contribute to the local economy and take thousands of cars off the roads: by expanding, Birmingham could serve millions more passengers who currently travel to Heathrow for long-haul flights. The Government does not accept the CBT findings.

Watch the BBC report on this story.

If you're flying from Birmingham airport, pre-book your airport parking at Birmingham Airparks where you can pay as little as £29.50 for eight days' parking.

Birmingham Airparks is a secured airport car park, located just 15 minutes from Birmingham airport.

Please note: Bookings are subject to availability and prices change. This price was valid for a search in February 2009.

Published by: Maxine Clarke

Published on: February 4, 2009

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