THE owners of Bournemouth Airport say it has big role in driving the economy forward but that the government must develop a new aviation policy.

The call came yesterday following the long awaited go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Public consultation on the proposal will start next year.

Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said:"Airports up and down the country, including Manchester, London Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth, will drive economic growth and make a vital contribution to rebalancing our economy over the years ahead.

“With the decision on Heathrow now made, Government must commit to developing a new aviation policy that will maximise these opportunities for both the country as a whole and the regions that our airports serve.

“The short-term priority for Government must be to make the most of the runways we already have in the 10-15 year period before any new runway is ready.

“Looking to the long term, we need to learn the lessons from the last few years, and begin the work needed to develop a new aviation policy that will provide a clear framework for airports to compete with each other to deliver further runway capacity.”

The effect, if any, of the Heathrow decision on regional airports such as Bournemouth is unclear.

Earnings before tax at Bournemouth, the smallest airport in the MAG portfolio, have already been hit in the past 12 months by the loss of Flybe routes and the withdrawal of Royal Mail flights.

Meanwhile a huge amount of further capital investment by the Dorset LEP is planned to improve access to the airport and its business parks.

Rob Dunford, head of programmes for Dorset LEP, said: “It is a bit early to say what impact, if any, it may have.

“Our investment is linked to the employment land rather than the airport passenger business, so we will proceed with our plans to invest in the land to develop employment opportunities.”