Inside London's Airports Policy

What factors shaped the airports policy of the busiest aviation city in the world? What has been the role of politicians, planners and communities? Why has it proved so difficult to make a decision on airports and stick to it? Inside London’s Airports Policy is the first book to provide a complete history of London’s airport policy, considering whether we can make better decisions if we learn from the lessons of history. Based on the author’s extensive industry experience, and detailed research of key documents, public records and academic papers, plus interviews with key individuals, the book sets out the studies, consultations, inquiries, commissions and debates that have directed London’s airport policy on the troubled flight path which it has taken. The book covers in detail a period from the mid-1970s, when the Maplin project was cancelled, to the present day. Along the way, there are periods of incremental growth with new terminals at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted; a policy vacuum of the early 1990s and the Heathrow Terminal 5 Inquiry; a long term strategy outlined in the 2003 White Paper; and the Airports Commission of 2012–2015. Case studies of airports in other countries and in the UK outside of the South East provide interesting comparisons. Written in a straightforward style with personal insights, Inside London’s Airports Policy will be a fascinating read for all those with an interest in the development of aviation, airports and transport, including planners, engineers, civil servants, community representatives and politicians. Students and academics wishing to study examples of the decision making process will also find this an engaging read.