Business chiefs welcome new London Oxford Airport

Oxford Airport has attracted criticism after re-branding itself as London Oxford Airport in a bid to boost international traffic.

Despite the fact that the airport is 62 miles from the city and a popular tourist destination in its own right, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the development, claiming that the new name will help put it on the international aviation map.

Claire Prosser, a policy executive at the chamber, argued that most orbital airports are never that close to the city they claim to serve, with London Ashford Airport in Kent 73 miles away from the centre of London.

"Oxford and Oxfordshire is a place in its own right but you're linking tourism and business and it's an excellent business opportunity," she added.

However, as well as consumer groups who argue that the new name is close to false advertising, local heritage groups have called the move unnecessary given Oxford's established status as a leading tourism destination.

At present, the London Oxford Airport only welcomes scheduled flights from the Channel Islands, though it is hoped that this re-branding will help to boost the number of services it offers.

In comparison, London Ashford Airport currently offers flights to a number of top European destinations, including Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Rennes.

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