EasyJet has just claimed some fares would be cut by almost a third if a new runway is built at Heathrow airport.
The budget airline has said passengers would benefit from cheaper flights on existing UK and European routes because of increased competition and expanding the west London hub will allow for a significant number of flights from the airport for the first time.
EasyJet has been working closely with Heathrow for several years to ensure its requirements will be met if the third runway gets the go-ahead, including 25-minute aircraft turnaround times.
The number of UK destinations served from the airport has fallen from 14 to 8 since 2000, whilst the total number of seats on its flights to Europe has dropped by 40%.
New low-cost entrants to the airport would launch routes to destinations not currently served to guests.
The low-cost carrier would also look to connect passengers to long haul destinations at Heathrow by using ‘Worldwide by easyJet’– the first global airline connections service by a European low fares airline.
EasyJet chief commercial and strategy officer Robert Carey said expanding Heathrow will provide significant benefits to all parts of the UK and is in the best interests of all passengers.
He added: “This expansion would enable low-cost airlines like easyJet to operate from Heathrow– in addition to existing London bases– allowing them to provide new routes and increased competition on dozens more UK and European routes.
EasyJet’s costs are significantly lower than legacy airlines so easyJet’s fares on these services would be lower than those paid by passengers today.
We look forward to engaging with the UK’s regional airports and their governments and other local organisations to work out which regions will enjoy the largest growth in passenger demand and economic benefits from new connections to Heathrow and the rest of the world.
Expansion at Heathrow will bring significant economic benefits to all of the UK and that’s why we urge MPs to support the government’s national planning statement so that work can start to increase the aviation capacity for the UK. ”
Heathrow’s plan to build a third runway was given the support of the Cabinet last week and MPs will soon vote on the scheme.
Do you want Heathrow to build another runway? Is this one of your go-to airports to fly from on your fly cruises? Do you think it will only bring advantages to travellers? Leave us your comments!
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