Boris Island airport 'not commercially viable', report warns (From News Shopper)

Boris Island airport 'not commercially viable', report warns

12:45pm Friday 25th January 2013 in News By Sam Christie

AN AIRPORT off the north Kent coast is "not commercially viable”, according to a new report.

The study for the Commons Transport Committee estimated the cost to build a Thames Estuary airport would amount to between £20 billion and £50 billion and be a “risky investment”.

Private sector investors would rely on increased passenger numbers or higher charges.

The report released yesterday (Jan 24) concluded that a four-runway hub airport rather than expanding Heathrow could still provide “good value for money” if it led to significant economic benefits for Britain.

The mayor of London Boris Johnson is behind the controversial proposal to build the new airport in the Thames Estuary.

The transport committee, which is conducting an inquiry into the UK’s aviation strategy, commissioned economic consultants Oxera to produce a report examining whether the project would be commercially viable.

What do you think?

Would a new airport in the Thames Estuary benefit north Kent residents?