The Government’s veto on a third runway at Heathrow could pave the way for direct rail links between the airport and Waterloo station, owner BAA has suggested.
The Spanish-owned airport operator had ring-fenced around £700 million, as part of its £5 billion capital investment plan, for its runway plans but could now divert these funds.
BAA says that investment plans will centre around surface access to the airport and Airtrack, the plan to build a rail connection from Staines to Heathrow which would make a direct link to Waterloo and southwestern rail services.
BAA said it would begin detailed talks with airlines to find out what they want for the airport.
Other plans include building a new transit system at Heathrow which would link all terminals together, building a new, huge Terminal 2 and closing Terminal 1.
by Dinah Hatch
