Thames Reach Airport offers the highest peak capacity, flexibility and wider benefits at a lower cost compared to alternative proposals. This is mainly due to:
- Lower land prices and available space in the Thames Eastuary (flood risk land, brown field sites and open water)
- Operational synergies with associated infrastructure projects – LTX and flood defences
- New-build AirRailHub vs. extending a live airport in a built-up area
Here an illustrative cost comparison with an expanded Heathrow:
