This article is highly biased, showing more jealousy than analytical reporting.
Heathrow is the name which gives feeling of elation. Many visitors long to enter UK through Heathrow for the love of it, irrespective of minor hustles involved. Although Gatwick option is there which has an advantage of direct connection with Central London through fast train with possibility of check-in at Victoria, that does not induce any preference for travelers looking for real London touch.
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A Crash Landing
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It can only get worse. Beginning April 1, U.S. and European carriers will enjoy much wider rights to fly into different country's airports, thanks to the "open skies" deal between Brussels and Washington. But it is unclear why any airlines would choose London when others have more space to offer. Lobbyists now argue London's status as a global capital would be endangered unless expansion gets the go-ahead. But any proposal to expand must contend with fierce opposition from environmentalists. In February, activists climbed to the roof of the House of Commons to protest the third runway and the likely increase in pollution, noise and road congestion. Others have protested at the airport and threatened to block construction workers.
For aviation policy watchers, these issues have a weary familiarity. Governments have talked of expanding London's airport capacity since the 1960s, including ambitious proposals for an entirely new site on the Thames estuary east of London. Almost every scheme has been junked on the grounds of economy or because of local opposition. The original plans for Terminal 5 were drawn up in the late 1980s, and its opening was at least six years late. Whatever happens now won't bring relief to Heathrow's hapless visitors any time soon.
With Sophie Grove and Christopher Werth in London
© 2008
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