Global flows, local conflicts and the challenge of urban governance: Managing the city-airport interface in London, UK

This paper explores urban governance and spatial planning of the city-airport interface, focusing on the contested issues of noise pollution and uneven regional urbanisation, and the operation and expansion of airport infrastructure in the London city-region, which presents a paradox – a conflict between connectivity and growth, and alternatively, advocating for urban sustainability. This perspective highlights the contrast in scales and priorities of urban governance at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, critically analysing the contested, under-theorised and unresolved rationalities, plans and politics that co-constitute the city-airport interface.