Pictures: A look at Heathrow’s plan for a third runway and new terminal
Heathrow has submitted a shovel-ready proposal for a privately financed third runway to be built and completed within the next decade.
An expanded Heathrow would give passengers more choice – at least 30 new daily routes, extra domestic connections and a better selection of flight times to the most popular destinations, the airport said in an accompanying statement on Friday (1 August).
“Alongside more reliable journeys and cheaper fares through an expanded airline selection, terminals will be more spacious and accessible, and flights quicker to take off, thanks to a once-in-a-generation redesign of the airfield, it said.
“Once completed, Heathrow’s plans would grow the UK economy by 0.43% GDP, add 50% capacity to the country’s most valuable trading port – already enabling more than £200bn of annual trade – while keeping its global competitive edge.”
The blueprint submitted to the government includes:
- A north-western runway up to 3,500m – a design that already has Parliamentary support.
- Increased capacity to serve up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers.
- A brand-new terminal ‘T5X’, expanding Terminal 2 and three new satellite terminals.
The airport said that a third runway and supporting infrastructure can be ready within a decade, and the full investment across all terminals would take place over the coming decades.
Heathrow’s proposals include more choice and capacity on public transport, such as enhanced rail capacity and walking and cycling routes, reducing local and environmental impacts.
A new road tunnel, plans for two dedicated parkways and improvements to the country’s busiest bus and coach station will make it easier than ever before to reach the airport.
“It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity,” said Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye.
“With a green light from the government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit-for-purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country. We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.”
If the government implements the necessary policy changes, Heathrow plans to consult with airlines, the local community, local authorities, businesses and others from next year. A planning application is expected to be submitted in 2028.
