Thames Estuary Airport dropped: a milestone reached in the eternal debate on UK airport capacity

On 2-Sep-2014, the UK Airports Commission, which has been examining - seemingly forever - the case for additional runway capacity in the UK, announced that it would not add a proposed new airport at the Isle of Grain in the River Thames estuary to its shortlist.

This leaves just three proposals fighting it out for ultimate recognition in May-2015, by which time the Airports Commission is expected to make its final recommendation: two at London Heathrow and one at London Gatwick.

There is still time for further twists and turns in the saga. But as the moment for the big decision nears it looks as if other, much bigger ones will impact on events before and after the location of an additional runway, or extension of existing ones, is decided.