Extra Olympic flights rejected

The recent decision not to allow extra flights and extended flying hours at Biggin Hill airport during the London 2012 Olympics is another setback for the businesses in and around the historic airfield.

Fears have already been raised that some of the flying schools which operate in the area may lose business during the Olympics due to the extra security precautions that will be in place.

Supporters of the extra flights believed it would help generate interest in what the area had to offer which would have been good for the local economy.

Biggin Hill Airport Limited (BHAL) wanted to offer more day-return services but Bromley Council, which owns the airport, said there was already sufficient capacity for the demand for flights during the games.

The protest groups fighting the proposal cited concerns over noise pollution, traffic congestion and safety as had the plans gone through it would have meant an extra 140 extra flights per week during the summer.

But many residents also believed the extension would have been the thin end of the wedge as it may have set a precedent for more flights in the future.

This was the second time Biggin Hill Airport Limited had made an application for extended flying hours during the Olympics and a spokesperson said there are no plans for another application.

What do you think? Should Biggin Hill have been allowed the extra flights?