Airlines welcome alternative two-phase plan for third Heathrow runway

Airlines and aviation bodies have welcomed revamped plans from Arora Group for its alternative Heathrow expansion plan, which includes a new western terminal and a phased third runway.

 

The hotel group said first phase can be operational by 2035, meeting the government’s timeline for Heathrow expansion.

 

Heathrow West was created by Arora last year to put forward the “cost efficient” solution.

 

Arora said in a statement that phasing the runway “addresses many of the risks associated with an all-or-nothing approach to airport expansion”. 

 

“An initial 2400m runway avoids moving the M25 and other high-risk infrastructure work needed to build a 3500m runway. This means the 2400m runway can be delivered significantly earlier and meet demand forecasts sooner,” it said.

 

The proposed scheme – which also includes a new Terminal 6, to the west of Terminal 5 – builds on the runway plan submitted by Arora in 2025.

 

More: CAA unveils consultation on shortlist of models for Heathrow expansion

 

Alternative proposal revealed to deliver fully operational Heathrow third runway in a decade

 

Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said: “We have committed significant time and resource to producing our latest plans to ensure that they are highly credible, in line with the government’s objectives and offering better value to airlines and passengers.

 

“We will continue to engage fully with airlines and other stakeholders as we prepare to submit for planning.”

 

Luis Gallego, chief executive of British Airways’ parent International Airlines Group, said: “The two-phase approach proposed by Heathrow West is a credible option, with the potential to cap costs for passengers and deliver the benefits of expansion as soon as possible for the UK. 

 

“We think it is worth further development and should be carefully considered by the UK government.”

 

Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic chief executive, commented: “At Virgin Atlantic, we have always championed competition and choice. The Heathrow West third runway scheme is credible and should be considered by UK Government as a viable option.

 

“Any approach that delivers affordable expansion, to the benefit of consumers, the UK aviation sector and UK economy, is welcomed.”

 

Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), added: “The industry has been clear: Heathrow expansion must be deliverable, financeable, and affordable.

 

“Arora is the only party to engage seriously with those constraints in a practical way. This is not theoretical planning; it is a scheme being built with real-world delivery in mind.

 

“With competing proposals now in play, this is unequivocally a competitive process. It is essential that government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) move swiftly to establish a formal, rules-based framework to govern how these schemes are developed and assessed.”

 

Warwick Brady, president and chief executive of Swissport International AG, said: “This two-phase plan delivers for both passengers and UK plc. These also break up the monopoly and challenges the status quo, which has led to Heathrow becoming the world’s most expensive airport, today.”

 

Nigel Wicking, chief executive of Heathrow’s Airline Operators’ Committee, described the plan as “pragmatic, solutions-driven approach”.

 

Heathrow West intends to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application in November 2027.

 

As part of the DCO pre-application process, it will consult with residents, businesses and other stakeholders.