The Regional Assembly is opposed to the expansion of Heathrow and Gatwick beyond current planning limits.

These limits allow two runways and five terminals at Heathrow and one runway and two terminals at Gatwick.

At its full Assembly meeting in March 2007, Assembly members reaffirmed their opposition. They believe the rising number of journeys should be stemmed by measures such as encouraging passengers on some shorter flights to use more sustainable forms of transport. For example rail travel could replace many internal flights.

Regional Assembly policy is based on robust evidence and research gathered for the South East Plan, a vision for the region to 2026.

The "Future of Air Transport" White Paper sets out Government's intentions for the management and development of airports nationwide for the next 30 years. This paper was preceded by two Government consultations on the future of the UK's airports.