All day flights worse than third runway
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
15/10/2008
A campaign has been launched against plans for the ‘back-door’ expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is part of the 2M Group of local authorities who are warning that ministers might back off from building a third runway – but give the go-ahead to more frequent departures and landings on existing runways instead.
A decision on whether to allow BAA to increase capacity at the airport is expected before the end of the year. But the scale of opposition to a third runway and growing doubts about its affordability may instead lead ministers to seek to expand the airport’s capacity using existing runways.
The council says the changes could mean families living beneath the flight path would have to endure noise for 18 hours a day rather than nine as at present.
Councillor Nicholas Botterill, H&F Council Deputy Leader, said: “Using both runways in this way will mean no break from aircraft noise in large parts of Hammersmith & Fulham. If it happens, this is Heathrow expansion through the back door. When planes are approaching from the east there will be a non-stop stream throughout the day with no respite at 3pmwhen they would normally switch runways.”
The Government's consultation document – Adding Capacity at Heathrow – indicated that using each runway for both landings and take offs could create additional capacity of around 60,000 flights a year. However, the 2M Group is warning that there is no guarantee that the 60,000 figure is anything like the full potential capacity of a two-runway airport.
John Stewart of HACAN added: “If people thought a third runway was bad, the damage caused by all-day flights on existing runways with no switch at 3pmwill be far worse. There will be a huge outcry in west Londonif people see this expansion by stealth being imposed on them.”
Heathrow currently operates at around 480,000 movements a year but if the changes to existing runways are made the number of flights could soar by a third.
For more information visit www.2mgroup.org.uk (opens new window).
