On the 22^nd November 2007, Ruth Kelly, the UK Transport Secretary, laid out plans for the future expansion of London Heathrow Airport. The proposals included the construction of a sixth terminal and a third runway.

In support of the developments, Ms Kelly highlighted how, without them, Heathrow’s iconic global image would wither. She added, however, that should the expansion proceed, “tough” noise tests would have to be met.

"Heathrow supports 170,000 jobs, billions of pounds of British exports and is our main gateway to the global economy”, she said. “But for too long it has operated at nearly full capacity, with relatively minor problems causing severe delays to passengers. If nothing changes, Heathrow's status as a world-class airport will be gradually eroded - jobs will be lost and the economy will suffer."

Heathrow’s Third Runway Could Increase Arrivals/ Departures by 50%

Heathrow’s third runway, Ms Kelly explained, would be 2,200 metres in length. With its construction to be complete by 2020, it would potentially boost the number of aircraft arrivals and departures at the UK’s flagship airport by almost 50 per cent.

The measures are now open to public consultation, with a cut-off point of February 27^th 2008.

Amongst the other proposals outlined was a redistribution of the flights handled by Heathrow’s pair of existing runways. While, presently, they are used in alternation for take offs and landings, the new plans see them used for take offs concurrently.

Heathrow Expansion Critics Highlight Airport Noise Increase

Critics of Heathrow’s expansion, however, drew attention to the noise increases that would result, which they said could affect over 50 local towns.

Heathrow Airport currently handles 480,000 flights per annum. Should it be expanded, this figure could skyrocket to 800,000.

Ms Kelly’s speech came after consultation on the subject of Heathrow’s further development – an issue initially highlighted four years ago in the government-issued White Paper.

Commenting on the proposals, the Chief Executive of BAA, Stephen Nelson, emphasised to the Today programme broadcast on BBC 4 how “(Heathrow has) been over capacity for 17 years...”

He continued:”... it's now handling 60,000 more passengers a day than it was built for - that puts us under extraordinary pressure."

Describing Heathrow as an “economic powerhouse”, Mr Nelson highlighted how "There would be little dispute in business circles as to the economic benefit of the expansion of Heathrow."

Heathrow Behind Paris Airport’s Pace, Says BAA Chief Exec

Mr Nelson added that, with the expansion in place, Heathrow would potentially be handling 720,000 annual flights by 2019. However, he asserted: "Paris will reach that in two years' time. We're already behind the pace and it is having serious consequences for our competitive advantage."

The development plans are likely to be met with fury from residents and environmental groups alike, especially in light of UK Prime Minister Gordon’s Browns prediction that the UK could exceed its 60 per cent emission reduction target by a further 20 per cent by 2050.

Hacan, an organisation against the expansion of airports, is chaired by John Stewart. In discussion with the BBC, Mr Stewart queried BAA’s assertion that Heathrow’s third runway could contribute nine million pounds to the British economy each year.

"There's a mantra here that it's important for the economy - the expansion of Heathrow”, he said.  

“What has never been worked out is how those figures are arrived at.Heathrow as it stands is clearly important to the economy but the critical question is, is expansion of Heathrow essential to the UK economy? We think it's probably not."

Among the other reactions, the Lib Democrat transport spokeswoman Susan Kramer stated: "These plans could see the number of flights from Heathrow rise to 800,000 per year, making a mockery of any attempts to tackle climate change."

Richard Dyer, an aviation campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said: "Aviation is already the fastest growing source of UK carbon dioxide emissions.

“Building a third runway at Heathrow will inevitably lead to even more flights and more pollution."

Source – Airport International’s London Reporter

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