British Airways CEO Sean Doyle has stated that Heathrow Airport should be expanded without relocating the M25 motorway. This statement comes as the government is evaluating two proposals for the airport’s expansion, one from Heathrow itself and another from the Arora Group, led by hotel entrepreneur Surinder Arora.
The expansion plan proposed by Heathrow’s management includes constructing a full-length 3,500-meter runway, which necessitates moving the M25. In contrast, the Arora Group aims to secure approval for a shorter 2,800-meter runway, which would not require altering the motorway. A decision on which proposal will be chosen is expected by the end of the month.
In the previous summer, Heathrow Airport revealed plans amounting to £49 billion for a third runway, which would also involve infrastructure improvements such as a new road tunnel and widening sections of the M25 between junctions 14 and 15. The Arora Group’s proposal carries a lower financial requirement of £25 billion but would necessitate additional infrastructure development.
During the Airlines 2025 conference in Westminster, Doyle remarked on the feasibility of avoiding the M25’s relocation, stating, “If you can avoid moving the M25, you should avoid moving the M25.” He suggested exploring options for a shorter runway as a more logical approach. The Heathrow proposal entails constructing a new M25 tunnel and new bridges, positioned 130 meters west of the existing motorway, with traffic rerouted during overnight closures.
Both expansion proposals have been asked by the government to provide more detailed information regarding their potential impacts on investors, local communities, and businesses.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crklpv6vgr3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss