Comment: One new runway not enough to sustain economic development Published on: 25 October 2016 Dr Volodymyr Bilotkach, Senior lecturer in Economics at Â鶹´«Ã½ Business School, responds to the Government’s decision to expand airport capacity by building a third runway at Heathrow. Dr Bilotkach comments: “The decision to expand Heathrow is a positive step towards boosting the UK’s economic growth. However, one new runway is not enough. Both Heathrow and Gatwick are the world's busiest airports currently operating at capacity. If growth in air travel demand is to continue as projected, we will come to the situation where airport capacity shortage will impede Britain’s economic development, particularly in the southeast. Both airports need expansion. “The uncertainty that has clouded the country since the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has damaged business confidence and placed a question mark on London’s position as a global financial and industrial hub. Whilst the UK is a key economic player on the international stage, we cannot be complacent or rest on our laurels. Therefore, the Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure must be welcomed as a necessity for continued fiscal growth. “While I urge the Government to commit to further increase in airport capacity, we also need clarity around implementation of the third runway at Heathrow. There is potential for the market to pay for it without resorting to public funds and it is important that all options are carefully assessed. “The UK Airports Commission spent a lot of time and effort producing its report, which is clear and comprehensive. Now that a decision has been made, the Government must act on it. Delays will only cause further uncertainty. Moving forward, it is critical for policymakers to communicate with businesses and members of the public to ensure that implementation is successful.” Dr Volodymyr Bilotkach, Senior lecturer in Economics at Â鶹´«Ã½ Business School Share: Latest News Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from Â鶹´«Ã½ to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Student leader drives misogyny law change A Â鶹´«Ã½ student leader has helped change the law after creating a petition to make misogyny a hate crime, which gathered over 114,000 signatures, prompting action in Parliament. published on: 12 June 2026 Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ see construction of new Castle Leazes The Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ and other key stakeholders have become an indelible part of new student accommodation at Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Castle Leazes. published on: 12 June 2026 Facts and figures
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