London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports are both set to get new runways, but the cost of the projects are reportedly substantially more than early estimates. Airport commission officials say the oversight could lead to higher airport charges and passenger ticket fares. Heathrow’s third runway will cost GBP 18.6bn, GBP 3bn more than original estimates, according to the commission. Gatwick’s second runway, meanwhile, is slated to cost GBP 9.3bn instead of the GBP 7.4bn original estimate. The higher costs could more than double airport charges at Gatwick to an average of GBP 15-18, while charges at Heathrow could jump from GBP 20 to GBP 28-29, according to the commission. The public will have an opportunity to voice input on the airport expansion plans until February.
