Heathrow Airport's expansion plans could open the door to another direct connection to Cornwall, according to a new report. The research by Frontier Economics identified Cornwall Airport Newquay as one of five UK transport hubs most likely to benefit from restored connections to Heathrow, which is looking to build a third runway.
Potential New Routes
The analysis highlighted Leeds Bradford, Teesside International, Belfast International and Liverpool John Lennon Airport as other strong candidates for new domestic links to the London airport. The findings suggested connecting the South West to Heathrow would support trade, tourism and investment to the region. Travellers from Cornwall Airport can currently fly with easyJet to Gatwick and Ryanair to Stansted.
Economic Impact
According to the Frontier Economics research, a new route operating three times a week could generate £28.6m in tourism spending in the South West a year. Heathrow already plays a critical role in connecting the UK. Almost five million passengers travelled on domestic routes last year, generating around £1.2bn in tourism spending across the UK.
Stakeholder Reactions
Amy Smith, managing director of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said the proposed third runway at Heathrow had "the potential to deliver meaningful hub access for regions like Cornwall". But she said it would only work if there was "a clear and sustained commitment" to slot accessibility and affordability for regional carriers and regional routes. "Direct and reliable connectivity to a UK hub is vital for Cornwall’s economy, inward investment, and the future of sustainable regional aviation," she said.
Nigel Milton, chief communications and sustainability officer at Heathrow, said: “Domestic connectivity has always been central to Heathrow’s role as the UK’s only hub airport. For many communities, these links are not a luxury, they are a lifeline, connecting people and businesses to opportunities across the UK and around the world. With additional capacity, we can strengthen these vital connections and ensure every part of the country can benefit from Heathrow’s global network.”
Regulatory Changes
The news comes just days after the publication of a review by the aviation watchdog proposing to make changes to the regulatory model that governs how Heathrow runs and covers its costs. In the report, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suggests a rival firm could bid to build Heathrow's third runway and new terminal in a bid to keep costs down. It is one of several regulatory changes being considered by the CAA if Heathrow expands in a bid to "better serve the interests of consumers".
