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NOT THAT ONE!

British airport gets green light for expansion – but it is not Heathrow or Gatwick

Pressure is increasing on Theresa May to name which of London's main airports will get a new runway

City Airport

A BRITISH airport finally got the green light for expansion today - but it was mini London City.

It came as pressure piled on Prime Minister Theresa May to make a decision on whether Britain's biggest airports - Heathrow or Gatwick - can build a third runway.

 London City Airport chief executive Declan Collier (L) showed Chancellor Philip Hammond and Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad round the airport
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London City Airport chief executive Declan Collier (L) showed Chancellor Philip Hammond and Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad round the airportCredit: Reuters
 The expansion will enable the airport to welcome 6.5 million passengers by 2025 and inject £1.5 billion each year into the economy
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The expansion will enable the airport to welcome 6.5 million passengers by 2025 and inject £1.5 billion each year into the economy
 The City Airport Development Programme is a £344 million privately funded investment which includes plans for seven new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and passenger terminal extension
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The City Airport Development Programme is a £344 million privately funded investment which includes plans for seven new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and passenger terminal extension

Chancellor Philip Hammond announced the £344 million plan for a bigger terminal at the east London airport today.

But it comes amid continued delays over a decision on the expansion of Heathrow or Gatwick.

David Cameron was due to make a decision on the rival expansion projects shortly after the EU referendum.

But his resignation means the decision has been left for Theresa May.

Little London City only handled 4.3million passengers last year - compared with Heathrow's 75m and Gatwick's 40m.

More than a hundred business leaders have now written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling urging the Government to make a decision over a new runway.

Gavin Hayes of campaign group Let Britain Fly said the decision would “affect the economic well-being of the entire country”.

And Baroness Jo Valentine of business group London First, welcomed the news but added: “Now we need the government to get on and announce a decision on a new runway for the south east.”

The programme includes an extended terminal, a new aircraft taxiway and parking spaces for planes, as well as upgraded public transport links.

The scheme is expected to create more than 2,000 staff and construction jobs.

 Philip Hammond (pictured with City Airport's chief executive Declan Collier) said he hoped the airport expansion would boost the economy
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Philip Hammond (pictured with City Airport's chief executive Declan Collier) said he hoped the airport expansion would boost the economyCredit: Reuters
 City Airport is one of East London's largest employers and the expansion will create 2,000 new jobs in the area
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City Airport is one of East London's largest employers and the expansion will create 2,000 new jobs in the area
 The expansion will generate an additional £750m per year for the UK economy
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The expansion will generate an additional £750m per year for the UK economy

Mr Hammond said it was hoped the plans would provide a £1.5 billion boost to the British economy by 2025.

London City Airport believe the scheme will allow it to handle up to 32,000 more flights a year.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the decision on expansion, saying it would bring "much-needed new employment" to the area.

A Heathrow spokesman said the announcement "signals the Government is committed to ensuring Britain has the 21st century infrastructure it needs".

Gatwick claimed it demonstrated "what can be done when an expansion scheme that is deliverable is chosen".

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