These are great moves for the airline industry. But there is a problem – since most of the airlines have reduced their capacities and there is a weakening demand due to the current recession, the new runways might not be of much use in the near future.
Personally, I think of all the airports, New York’s Airports (Newark, LaGuardia and JFK) and Philadelphia’s International Airport can all definitely use an additional runway.
Some facts from CNN -
Washington Dulles International Airport will get a fourth runway, its first runway addition since the airport opened in 1962.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport’s new runway is part of a
massive, multi-billion dollar modernization program. Previously, six of
the airport’s seven runways intersected. When the entire project is
completed in 2014, the airport will have eight runways in parallel
configurations considered safer and more efficient.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s new runway is being especially
welcomed because of the region’s notoriously wet climate. The airport’s
third runway will allow planes to take off and land two abreast during
inclement weather. The current runways are too close to allow
simultaneous operations in foul weather. Airport officials claim the
new runway will cut delays in half.
