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<p>The revised draft Airports National Policy Statement on new runway capacity and
infrastructure at airports in the South-East of England considers impacts of Heathrow
expansion on airports across the UK. It finds that a North-West runway at Heathrow
delivers the best connectivity for the UK as a whole, with regional airports expected
to continue displaying strong passenger growth by 2050.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is one
of the best connected countries in the world by air, with six airports handling more
than five million passengers per annum, offering an intensive short-haul network and
an increasing number of long-haul destinations. In addition almost 30 regional airports
offer important direct connectivity to key business and leisure destinations.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is developing a new, long-term Aviation Strategy to 2050 and
beyond which aims to achieve a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector that meets
the needs of consumers and of a global, outward-looking Britain. A ‘Next Steps’ document
published in April, stated that the Government will consider whether our nations and
regions are suitably connected by either air or surface access transport to the rest
of the UK and to key overseas markets.</p>
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