Originally Posted by
FrancisA
When the train idea was put forward, it was suggested that the journey could take just 15 minutes. On that basis it is no worse than switching terminals, which I accept is not popular with many (me included).
Clear advantage is the extra capacity and resilience of making LHR and LGW into one huge multi-site airport (the rather horrible Heathwick name was suggested).
Downside of having two different commercial airport operators is that they want to compete with each other and hence neither is a strong support of an option that removes a competitive advantage.
Ironically, in this instance, political intervention could promote a genuine greater good.
Competition is a great thing for the consumer. You only have to look as short as 2/3 years ago when there numerous airlines competing from the UK to North America. Now there is only a handful and prices have shot up. Whilst I understand that other factors such as higher oil prices come into play, fact is, less airlines competing, higher prices as we can see.