Public back new runway by three to one – new survey

Britons supporting new runways in the South East outnumber those against expansion by a factor of 3 to 1, according to an independent poll of UK voters by Populus for airport expansion campaign group Let Britain Fly.

The poll shows more people support airport expansion than oppose it in every nation and region of the UK.

Voters also backed calls for the new Government to use its fresh mandate to make an early decision to expand airport capacity once the Airports Commission publishes its final recommendation, again with a ratio of 3:1 in support.

Of the 2159 respondents nationwide surveyed by Populus on the 6th and 7th of May:

• 45% supported new runways being built and 16% opposed.

• In London support for building new runways rises to 52% and just 14% oppose.

• 45% supported the new Government making a quick decision to expand airport capacity and just 13% opposed.

• Over two thirds (69%) support airports being obliged to support improvements to public transport links if given the green-light to expand.

• 58% support the Government establishing an independent aviation noise authority to help address the concerns of communities affected by aircraft noise.

Gavin Hayes, Director of Let Britain Fly said: “It is clear there is strong public support for new runways and for Ministers to make an early decision. Once the Airports Commission has published its final report in the coming weeks, the Government must grasp the moment and give the go ahead to build a new runway in a timely manner, so we can ensure spades are in the ground by 2020. With all of London’s airports filling up fast we cannot afford any further dither or delay.”