Heathrow launches 10-week expansion consultation

Heathrow launches 10-week expansion consultation

London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) has launched a 10-week expansion consultation in order to get feedback about the three options that have been shortlisted.

The new plans set out potential locations to expand terminal infrastructure to the east of Terminal 2, the west of Terminal 5, or a new satellite terminal by the third runway.

A runway length extension of Heathrow’s two main runways is also being considered increasing the length from 3200m to 3500m. This will require the airport to make changes to local roads and realign the M25.

The UK Government gave the green light to the proposed Heathrow expansion in October 2016 and ever since the airport has been working on proposals to show how the airport would look and operate.

The airport has also pledged to reduce the cost of delivering the expansion by £2.5bn.

The consultation takes place in two parts, initially, it relates to the ground changes for a third runway. The second part focuses more on the overall airspace needed for an expanded London Heathrow.

British Airways Airbus A380 G-XLEH  lifts off from Heathrow's Runway 27L
British Airways Airbus A380 G-XLEH lifts off from Heathrow’s Runway 27L

Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s Executive Director Expansion, invites local residents and stakeholders to take part in the consultation, saying: “When the government announced its support for Heathrow expansion it made a clear commitment to keeping Britain open for business.  We want an expanded Heathrow to be the world’s best airport, ensuring that our country and its future generations have the infrastructure they need to thrive.  

“We need feedback to help deliver this opportunity responsibly and to create a long-term legacy both at a local and national level. Heathrow is consulting to ensure that we deliver benefits for our passengers, businesses across the country but also, importantly, for those neighbours closest to us.” 

Feedback is being sought on potential infrastructure options including:

  • Three shortlisted options for the new north-west runway with length varying from between 3,200 and 3,500 metres
  • Potential locations to expand terminal infrastructure: east of Terminal 2, west of Terminal 5 or a new satellite terminal by the new runway
  • Proposed alignment of the M25: repositioning it approximately 150 metres to the west, and lowering it by 7 metres in a tunnel and raising the runway height so it passes over the M25
  • Options for changes to local roads and possible changes to two junctions leading to the M25

The airport is also asking for the public to review its plans to manage the effects of expansion on local communities and the environment.

Find out more at https://www.heathrowconsultation.com/

About Nick Harding 2043 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.