Airports in the north and north-east last night rejected London Mayor Boris Johnson’s claims that only his plan for expansion could safeguard flights to the capital.
The senior Tory said this week that even if the Heathrow third runway goes ahead, Aberdeen could lose its links to the airport – and that Inverness would have little chance of winning them back.
He also accused Heathrow of “failing our regions for well over a quarter of a century” and insisted the only way to “spread prosperity across the UK” was to build a four-runway hub airport to the east of London.
But yesterday, Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) and Aberdeen International backed the expansion at Heathrow, as recommended by the Airports Commission.
The UK Government is currently considering its final report and David Cameron has said he will make a decision by the end of the year.
An Aberdeen International spokesman highlighted the commission’s findings that Heathrow would increase regional connectivity.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said the west London airport offered the greatest number and frequency of onward connections to international destinations.
But he also insisted support was conditional on improved access for the Highlands and Islands.
“We welcome the implementation of recommendations from the Airports Commission that help achieve this,” he went on.
“This includes the recommendation that the UK Government alter its guidance to introduce Public Service Obligations on an airport to airport – as opposed to region to region basis – and that Heathrow reduce its charges and provide start up
funding for regional services.
“These are areas that HIAL has long campaigned on and if implemented represents a significant victory for the Highlands and Islands.”
The Aberdeen International spokesman added: “The ability of Scotland to maintain and increase its global competitiveness is dependent on having air links with established and emerging markets.
“Heathrow plays a hugely important role in facilitating this. This decision is not just about London and Surrey, it has significant implications for Scotland.
“Many businesses rely on Heathrow for international connectivity, so it is important that Aberdeen maintains its links with the UK’s only hub.”
Meanwhile, Gatwick yesterday highlighted the findings of two separate reports it commissioned which identify concerns in the commission’s conclusion.