Heathrow risks being hit with a legal challenge over its expansion plans unless certain tough conditions are met, a group of MPs have warned.
A report by the Transport Committee says it although supports plans to expand Heathrow, certain conditions on noise pollution, landing charges, and transport links must be met to protect passengers and nearby residents.
It calls for a number of measures, including night flight restrictions to be extended from six-and-a-half hours to seven.
It also wants further evidence that Heathrow won’t raise landing charges to pay for the third runway, something that has been strongly voiced by Willie Walsh, boss of British Airways’ parent IAG.
The report cites further concerns about a lack of detail surrounding changes to the M25.
It recommends~that both Houses of Parliament allow the planning process to move to the next stage by approving the Airports National~Policy Statement, but only provided its concerns are addressed by the Government.
"Without addressing the concerns~the Committee has raised, we believe there is a risk~of successful legal challenge," it said.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “Expansion will only proceed if it meets strict environmental obligations and offers a world-class package of compensation and mitigations for local communities."
