UK passengers are split over their support for the construction of a third runway at London Heathrow Airport.
That is according to a new poll conducted by the travel firm Holiday Extras, which disclosed that 49 per cent of the people questioned were in favour of the expansion of the UK’s busiest airport, seeing it as “vital” to the expansion of the country’s economy.
Many travellers were also opposed to the third runway, which will increase annual flights to more than 700,000, with 21 per cent citing environmental concerns and a further 20 per cent expressing worries about its impact on local citizens.
Mike Whiting, managing editor at Holiday Extras, believes that the issue will continue to divide public opinion “in the months and years to come”.
He said: “It’s surprising to see quite so much support for the proposals, particularly since the media had seemed to indicate overwhelming opposition. “However, the plans are in their early stages and there will be a lot more talking.”
Proposals for the expansion include a new 7,200ft runway and a new terminal capable of handling 35 million travellers annually.
