Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine says the CAA has made it clear to her that no final decision has been made over new flight path proposals for Edinburgh Airport.
Her comments follow a meeting with representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority to discuss local concerns over the halting of the flight path planning process, and the proposals themselves.
That was halted by the CAA just 6 weeks into a 16 week process citing technical questions over Edinburgh airport’ formal application.
Following the CAA meeting Ms Jardine said: “It was clear from the meeting that this is far from the end of the process and no final decision has been made.
“My understanding is that Edinburgh Airport is pursuing a proposal which doesn’t conform to normal practice, particularly in attempting to avoid Cramond on take-off, and that needs a considerable amount of evidence to confirm it is possible and safe.
“The CAA simply seem to be saying ‘we need more information’. I’ve been assured by them that there will be no discussion of the consultation process, or final decision on the routes, until they have all the information they need.
“I will be continuing to express the concerns of both Cramond and South Queensferry over these proposals and will now be meeting the air traffic service – NATS – for further discussion.”
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “Scotland’s first airspace change programme in over 40 years is a complex exercise involving many organisations.
“Our ACP is the first of many and it is clear that all of this needs to be co-ordinated with NATS.
“We’re clear that our proposal is the best balance achievable in terms of surrounding communities and our operation, and work for Edinburgh and Scotland.
“We’ll be working with NATS on the co-ordination issues to allow the CAA to restart its analysis so we can develop the airport for the future.”
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