The British Airline Pilots’ Association has responded to the news that Gatwick plans to use its emergency runway to increase capacity.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“BALPA has always been in favour of extra capacity across the UK, and with Heathrow and Gatwick already running pretty much at full capacity, something needs to be done soon.

“If it is approved by the regulator[s] and complies with safety rules, then by using its emergency runway Gatwick can provide much-needed capacity in the south east, which we would welcome.

“We also urge the Government to hurry up with a final decision on Heathrow expansion, which we believe will be even more vital in a post-Brexit UK to support our thriving aviation industry.”