RAF

RAF Northolt Could Be Used To Ease Overflow At Heathrow

Flybe suggest RAF Northolt should be opened up for commercial use by the airline when Heathrow is at or over-capacity.

The regional carrier has applied to the MoD for clearance to fly twice a day to five cities.

The move comes amid a controversial debate regarding airport expansion in the London area where Northolt had been touted for use as a satellite runway for overspill until Heathrow had expanded.

Just 15 miles north-west of Heathrow (formerly RAF Heston) the move could now reawaken the debate about whether Northolt could be used to relieve pressure on London's biggest airport.

Northolt is used by private executive jets, VIPs and RAF transport, of which private jets make up about two-thirds of traffic.

Flybe fears northern cities such as Liverpool and Newcastle are in danger of being cut-off from London airports.

“This would bring many of the benefits of the third runway at Heathrow straight away . . . but importantly it brings regional connectivity, particularly to the northern powerhouse,” said Simon Laffin, chairman at Flybe

The National Connectivity Taskforce said: