Heathrow has dropped its support for controversial changes that would allow aircraft to take off and land on its runways at the same time.
The airport had previously supported the idea, known as ‘mixed mode’, which would allow it to increase flights at Heathrow from 480,000 a year to 530,000.
But responding to the publication of the Airports Commission consultation document yesterday, Heathrow issued a statement this morning saying it did not support the short term fix because it would increase noise pollution for nearby residents.
Instead, it insists the only way to solve the UK’s shortage of hub capacity is by building a third runway.
The change in stance is seen as a tactical move by the airport to improve the chances of getting permission for an extra runway.
But in its consultation document, the Airports Commission suggested there could be more than one London hub, saying it was feasible for one of the three global airline alliances currently based at Heathrow to switch to another airport.
"A complete alliance might … find it possible to transfer the entirety of its network if it chose to do so and the necessary capacity was available," it said in its consultation document.
Interested parties have until July 13 to submit their evidence.
