Alternative proposals to expand Heathrow would cost less than half the estimated cost of the airport owner’s plans.
Arora Group claims its scheme would cost a total of £14.4 billion, against the estimated £31 billion it claims of the airport owner’s plan would come in at.
Arora’s “western hub” plans focus on a single area on the western side of Heathrow between Terminal 5 and the M25, which it says would be cheaper and less disruptive than redevelopment around Terminals 2 and 3.
The scheme includes a new building to receive passengers, which will have access to the existing Terminal 5 as well as a new Terminal 6 to help deal with the 130 million passengers a year that MPs want the enlarged transport hub to handle.
It will also have a bridge housing shops and restaurants linking the terminals to new gate buildings.
Arora is competing with the airport company, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), for expansion development rights.
The company claims its proposals put it ahead of Heathrow’s owners, which it said did not yet have a “clear proposal” and would be far more costly.
The western hub terminal design, created by airport architectural firm Corgan, is part of Arora’s wider push to build an expanded airport.
Arora is run by Surinder Arora, who owns several hotels and other properties near the airport. Last year he submitted an alternative plan for a new runway.
Heathrow has said it would allow companies to bid to partner with it on some aspects of the expansion scheme.
Arora welcomed that decision but said it did not go far enough.
“Heathrow has been in monopoly control for too long and our proposals show what can be achieved through an alternative approach and Heathrow fully welcoming competition,” he said.
“Our approach has been to work closely with airlines and to employ the world’s best and most experienced airport designers and these benefits are clearly evident in our western hub plans.
“Heathrow has been in monopoly control for too long and our proposals show what can be achieved through an alternative approach and Heathrow fully welcoming competition.
“We are passionate about developing a Heathrow that delivers a truly world-leading experience; one that works for airlines; one that offers passengers a top-class journey; and one that has the commercial grounding to be a long-term success for the nation to take pride in.”
Sir Rod Eddington, former British Airways chief executive and member of Arora’s Heathrow expansion advisory board, said: “Heathrow used to be the premium global aviation hub but has suffered under the current monopoly.
“Arora is best placed to deliver true competition and return Heathrow to its place as the top-tier international airport.”
A spokesman for BA owner International Airlines Group said Arora’s proposal deserved to be properly evaluated.
“Competition at Heathrow is critical to keeping costs low and we call on the government to break up the airport’s monopoly and allow third parties to run terminals.”
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Craig Kreeger said Arora’s plan “appears to be a credible alternative” that will bring down the cost of construction and inject competition at the UK’s hub airport.
Corgan Aviation Studio principal Jonathan Massey said: “Our plans maximise the site’s potential, incorporating a large number of gates next to T5, reducing passenger connect-times, and including an integrated public transport hub as part of an innovatively designed ‘central processor’ core area, to develop the best operational solution for Heathrow.”
A record 78 million passengers used the airport last year, up 3.1% on 2016.
Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: “We’re bemused that they have chosen now to release new plans which look a bit like the emperor’s new clothes – the more you look, the less there is to see.
“Not only do their proposals now cost more, but they show a complete lack of understanding of airport operations and disregard for those living closest to the airport. If these were serious plans, they should have been submitted for public scrutiny to the independent Airports Commission years ago, along with 50 other competitive proposals. The fact that Mr Arora didn’t do so then, makes you question his motives now.
“I have met with Mr Arora several times to see how we can work together to deliver the integrated hub airport capacity that Britain needs. Each time he has refused to engage with us.
“We have now set up a competitive process for potential partners to make a material contribution to expanding Heathrow in a way that is sustainable, affordable and financeable. If Mr Arora really wants to help make Heathrow the best connected hub airport in the world and keep Britain at the heart of the global economy, this is his chance to do so.”