Heathrow looks set to get a third runway

It has been talked about for what seems years, but today is the day we get one step closer to reality.  To be honest, it’s been talked about that much and for that long, I thought it was well under way to happening.  Yes I am talking about the third runway at London Heathrow.

The transport secretary (please don’t ask me his name), has today given his support to Heathrow getting a third runway effectively giving it the go ahead.  apparently, this will now lead to a House of Commons vote in the near future, but it seems that process is now officially underway.

Is a third runway a good idea though?

I will be honest and as I do think this is a question with a million different answers and I don’t necessarily think there are right and wrong answers.

Obviously being employed in the travel industry, expansion of any airport in the UK is very good news.  The expansion means more slots for planes, and more slots mean that more destinations become available, and more available destinations mean people like me can give you more options for your holidays.  This is a massive win for both me and you.

Having more destinations can often mean better prices.  As people have more choice on where they are able to go, there is more competition to fill flight seats, which can keep prices very competitive.

On the other hand though more, planes aren’t the quietest of things when taking off and landing are they?  And more planes mean more noise and more pollution, which is not what we night right now especially in London!  Plus, more planes mean more people, and more people means even more pollution from cars. Not to mention how congested Heathrow can be at the best of times.

But then again, an extra runway would mean the creation of a lot more jobs for people which is always good news.  And with more people then arriving into the city, more money is then being brought in for local businesses which again is a major positive.

My main gripe though is, why Heathrow.  Why London yet again. Why not spend the investment money to try and spread the wealth and investment outside of London and maybe into somewhere further North like Manchester.  Isn’t London rich enough as it is? Could a new runway up north lessen the North-South divide in wealth? Maybe?

Whatever my thoughts, it looks like a third runway at Heathrow is happening.  What are your thoughts, is this good or bad?