A CAMPAIGN to suspend commercial flights at RAF Northolt has gathered support from all major political parties.

Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have signed the “Northolt Pledge”, calling for the Ministry of Defence to suspend all commercial flights until all necessary assessments have been completed and planning permission secured.

This follows a £23m runway renovation, which was undertaken with no public consultation, opponents say.

According to a recent poll by Regional and Business Airports Group, 68% of neighbouring residents were not aware the airfield was reopening for commercial use.

Basil O’Fee, of RABA, said: “RAF Northolt is not playing by the same rules as other civilian airports and is not competing on a level playing field.” 

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London City Airport is now advertising commercial flights at RAF Northolt through its Premier Passenger Service.

Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon said: “[The] runway renovation and rebranding as ‘London’s VIP Airport’ clearly show an intention to transform Northolt into a commercial airport.

“It is time for those who run the airport to come clean with residents about their plans and to undergo the same assessments that any other commercial airport would be required to do.

“Hiding behind the lack of accountability facing a military airport is not acceptable.” 

The Ministry of Defence recently commissioned a study that concluded RAF Northolt could accommodate between 20,000 and 50,000 commercial flights.