SIR – Passengers and businesses should not be swayed by the empty promises of new routes to the region (T&A, March 23).

Gatwick already serves more regional destinations than Heathrow, where domestic services have been progressively cut back. Heathrow has made many promises in the past but like other significant pledges made by the company, these proposals will likely come to nothing.

Creating a new Heathrow monopoly would be bad news and a backwards step for Yorkshire. It will certainly undermine direct routes to and from the nations and regions, while adding costs to the travel plans of passengers and businesses.

Business experts agree. A recent independent report from the OECD said an expanded Heathrow’s charges would discourage more flights to other UK airports, while the Institute of Directors have noted that Gatwick expansion “leads on regional destinations”.

Gatwick is the only competitive choice and our message to the region’s travellers and businesses is clear: Gatwick expansion means more choice and competition, creating new routes, low fares and better customer service.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport CEO