Airport News

Chief executive, Colin Matthews, claims that the move, and working more closely with local communities, can help improve Heathrow's shortlisted North-West runway proposal.

Speaking at the Runways UK conference in London, Matthews will claim that the results of the dialogue will give Heathrow a better understanding what is most important to local residents, allowing it to refine the runway proposal before it is resubmitted to the Airports Commission in May.

The consultation will begin on February 3

During the consultation process, a direct postal mail out will be sent to 120,000 households and businesses likely to be most impacted by the proposed plans.

Those outside this area will have the opportunity to share their views online. Drop-in events taking place in nine local areas will also give people the chance to ask questions and influence the plans.

Matthews will tell delegates: “We believe our proposal to expand Heathrow is the right way to deliver the capacity Britain needs to connect to fast growing economies around the world. 

"This consultation is to make sure we correctly understand what local people value and that we can take their views into account as we refine our proposal.

"The more people that tell us their views, the more successful the process will be.

"We know that opinion is divided locally about whether a third runway should go ahead or not, but everyone has an interest in making sure that if a third runway does happen it is developed in the best way possible.”

The consultation is a continuation of Heathrow’s engagement with the local community which has been on-going throughout the Airports Commission process. The results will be shared with the Commission for its independent review.