Meetings & Minutes

Catalyst South: The Future of Airport Towns

Globally, the pandemic related disruption to aviation and airport activity is unprecedented and the consequences for the towns which have a close and direct relationship with the industry has been sudden and sharp. Moreover, there are concerns about the lasting impact on the industry and communities alike.

This event looked at these impacts on the towns around six key airports in our geography: London Gatwick Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Luton Airport, London Southend Airport, London Stansted Airport, Southampton International Airport.

A number of our airport towns were already in need of investment and regeneration prior to the pandemic – and they now need to recover from a profound economic shock. The common issues facing these communities need to be better understood.

This virtual meeting brought together senior leaders and industry figures from across these places to discuss this collective challenge and identify how best to respond in order to stimulate recovery and foster future prosperity across the region.

A report has been developed for Catalyst South by SQW with recommendations and proposals for airport towns in the South, which have been shaped by the discussions that took place.