Heathrow Airport unveils £49bn ‘superhub’ expansion

The airport operator mentioned it was prepared to start out design and provide chain exercise this yr, however wants a swift coverage sign and regulatory framework from Authorities to remain on monitor.

The airport’s detailed blueprint, revealed in the present day, units out how the cash can be spent over a number of a long time, with £21bn earmarked for the brand new 3,500m runway and airfield infrastructure, forming the primary section of supply.

This determine is up from £14bn in 2018, largely because of building inflation, and consists of land acquisition, realignment of the M25 on prime of  runway and taxiway building.

M25 can be rerouted to run beneath the third runway

Alongside the £21bn runway construct, Heathrow plans to spend in the long term

£12bn for brand new terminal and stand capability

• Building of a brand new “T5X” terminal alongside Terminal 5

• T5X to function a second “entrance door” for passengers with new public transport interchange

• Supply of T5XN – a satellite tv for pc terminal close to the third runway, linked by monitor transit

• Extra airside aprons, stands, baggage programs, and connectivity infrastructure

£15bn for airport-wide modernisation

• Main redevelopment of Terminal 2, together with two satellite tv for pc piers

• Phased closure and demolition of Terminal 3

• Refurbishment of current infrastructure, together with the Central Terminal Space

• Public realm upgrades and supporting works

If ministers present regulatory suggestions by September, Heathrow goals to start design, mobilisation and early procurement exercise this yr.

Formal neighborhood and stakeholder session would happen subsequent yr for a full planning software to be submitted in 2028 for approval in 2029.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye mentioned: “It has by no means been extra essential or pressing to increase Heathrow. We’re successfully working at capability to the detriment of commerce and connectivity.

“With a inexperienced mild from Authorities and the proper coverage help underpinned by a match for objective regulatory mannequin, we’re able to mobilise and begin investing this yr in our provide chain throughout the nation. We’re uniquely positioned to do that for the nation; it’s time to clear the best way for take-off.”

The timing of Heathrow’s submission follows the arrival of a rival enlargement plan simply 24 hours earlier, because the Arora Group and Bechtel submitted their “Heathrow West” proposal — a lower-cost various promising to keep away from the necessity to construct over the M25.

That bid goals to ship a competing Terminal 6 and runway configuration, accelerating supply and reducing environmental influence.

Each initiatives now await Authorities suggestions as ministers weigh the way forward for UK aviation and its world competitiveness.