Heathrow has submitted a final proposal for a third runway and expansion costing £49 billion (R1,2 trillion).
The privately financed project comprises three main elements, including £21 billion (R505 billion) for the new runway and airfield infrastructure; £12 billion (R289 billion) for a new terminal, T5X, and stand capacity; and £15 billion (R361 billion) for modernising the current airport by expanding Terminal 2 and closing Terminal 3.
“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,” said a statement from London Heathrow.
The plans include a full-length 3 500-metre runway to the northwest of the existing airport, that would enable at least 30 new daily routes, extra domestic connections and a better selection of flight times. Heathrow’s plan would see up to 276 000 new flights a year.
“It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity. With a green light from 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,” said Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye.
