The International Air Transport Association welcomed the UK House of Commons vote in favour of the National Policy Statement (NPS) on airports. This opens the way to the long-overdue expansion of Heathrow airport.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA's Regional Vice President for Europe: "After years of delay, the approval of the NPS is a momentous day for air travel not just in the UK, but for the global air transport network.
“This decision will create new jobs and new economic opportunities in the UK and strengthen ties to growing export markets. But these benefits will only be safeguarded if the expansion is delivered at a competitive cost.
“Passengers and airlines must not pay increased charges. And operational flexibility is essential, especially to continue to allow a small number of essential early morning flights.
“It would be a shame if, having waited so long for the fruits of expansion, the UK were to shoot itself in the foot by creating an overpriced, uncompetitive airport."
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