Heathrow will be expected to add six more domestic routes across the UK by 2030, as part of the expansion criteria outlined by Transport secretary Chris Grayling today.
The airport must demonstrate it has worked constructively with airlines on domestic connectivity, strengthening existing links to nations and regions, and also developing new connections.
Heathrow would also be expected to:
– provide compensation to communities who are affected by the expansion, including noise insulation for homes and schools
– honour its commitment to pay 25% above full market value to people whose homes need to be compulsorily purchased to make way for the new runway, and pay their stamp duty, reasonable moving costs and legal fees
– put in place a number of measures to mitigate the impacts of noise, which would include a ban of six and a half hours on scheduled night flights
– set specific mode share targets to get more than half of airport users onto public transport, so there is no increase is airport-related road traffic
– implement a package of industry-leading measures to limit carbon and air quality impacts both during construction and operation
– demonstrate that the scheme can be delivered in compliance with legal requirements on air quality.
A 16-week consultation will last close on May 25 and a final Airports National Policy Statement is due to be put before Parliament for debate with an expected vote in the House of Commons by winter 2017-18.
