Calls for airport expansion planes to be scaled back
18.06.08
Environmental campaigners have called for plans to expand Edinburgh Airport to be scaled back in the wake of soaring oil prices, the Scotsman reports.
In its published masterplan, Edinburgh Airport says that it could almost treble in size by 2030, with land being reserved for a possible second runway and the Highland Showground forced to move to allow BAA to build more airport parking. The figures estimate that 22.5m passengers a year will be using the airport by 2030, but they are based on an assumption that oil prices today are only $60 a barrel – $70 cheaper than current prices.
However, research by environmental charity WWF has suggested that millions of passengers will be put off flying due to higher air fares caused by soaring oil prices. Its calculations suggest that even with a conservative assumption of $106 a barrel in 2030 there will be a 15% reduction in the growth of passengers, or 3 million less.
Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, told the newspaper: ‘The projections for passenger numbers are pie in the sky, based on estimated oil prices which border on the fantastical. Given how dodgy the Government's figures are, every airport in the UK needs to look again at their plans for expansion.'
‘The planet can't afford and Edinburgh doesn't need an additional runway. Instead we should be helping cut climate-wrecking air travel wherever possible.’
Government and airport chiefs have dismissed the claims and said the price of oil was just one factor that will impact on future passenger growth. They argue that projected economic growth over the coming decades will see an increase in demand for flights, including a big jump in business travel.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport told the newspaper: ‘Our forecasts are based on a wide range of economic factors, of which the price of oil is just one. They suggest that passenger numbers will continue to grow at Edinburgh over the period.’
And a Department for Transport spokeswoman added: ‘The forecasts set out in 'UK Air Passenger Demand and CO2 Forecasts' demonstrate the long-term growth in the UK and world economy will generate increasing demand for business travel. There remains a strong need for additional airport capacity in the UK.’
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