Thames Hub airport plan
A proposal has been formally submitted to the UK government’s Airports Commission for a new four runway airport hub on the Isle of Grain in the UK’s Thames Estuary.
The airport proposal sees it being sited strategically close to the South East’s major ports, including DP World’s Thames Gateway, which should enable the successful economic integration of rail, sea and air freight.
Thames Hub’s location near to the ports is geared towards giving British industry a vital strategic advantage in terms of freight distribution.
And it should help to make Britain better connected in terms of its infrastructure too. By connecting the airport to High Speed 1, 2 and Crossrail services, the aim is to open up freight routes all across the UK and then into Europe.
The plan’s architect Foster + Partners says that under current legislation, the planning process is identical to the proposal for the third runway at Heathrow and that the Thames Hub Airport could open within 16 years.
Port Strategy approached DP World for their views on the plan but the operator expressed that it has no comment to make on the subject at this time.
There is still plenty of debate as to whether the Thames Estuary is the right site for the UK’s new airport hub. The other side of the fence argues that Heathrow or Stansted are more viable options for business, passengers and jobs.
More information on the new airport plan from the Thames Hub website.
Related Articles
OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS
PRODUCTS & SERVICES