PLANS to re-start scheduled passenger services to UK cities and Europe will safeguard an airport's future, bosses say.

The proposals, published on Monday by Biggin Hill Airport Ltd as part of a draft master plan for the next 10 years and beyond, would see up to 500,000 passengers use the airport each year.

Airport director Peter Lonergan said: "Biggin Hill airport simply has to develop within acceptable environmental limits to secure a sustainable long-term future.

"While we want to meet local demand to fly, we can, at the same time, reassure people Biggin Hill cannot become another Stansted.

"We want to preserve the airfield's heritage both for today and in years to come but that outlook cannot be guaranteed on the airport's current activity and a prestigious annual airshow alone."

The master plan, currently out for consultation, follows a Government white paper published last year which concluded small airports have an important role to play in meeting demand in the south east.

There would be around 13 scheduled arrivals and 13 departures on weekdays and less at the weekend, with no night flights proposed.

In total, there would be about 90,000 flights a year, less than the 125,000 currently permitted by Bromley Council, and any development would take place within existing airport boundaries.

Mr Lonergan said: "We're willing to operate under strict environmental controls. We would work hard to improve transport to the airport and offer a shuttle service for passengers to local town centres and train stations the vast majority of passengers would be making journeys to and from Biggin Hill outside of peak hours."

Hugh Bunce, of campaign group Flightpath, said: "We expect Bromley Council to set out a plan for all those affected to be able to give their views."

The master plan and a summary can be viewed at bigginhillairport.com and a public exhibition is planned.

Key points of master plan:

  • Re-establish passenger services to meet demand on key routes
  • Change weekend opening hours to 7.30am10pm (now 9am8pm)
  • Encourage growth in business aviation
  • Work within an agreed operating limit which prevents open-ended growth
  • Improve public transport and help minimise congestion
  • Help attract investment to the area.

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