HEATHROW MOVE TO ONE RUNWAY USING MIXED MODE

PRESS RELEASE

2 April 2020

For immediate use

 HEATHROW MOVE TO ONE RUNWAY USING MIXED MODE

 Campaigners reacted cautiously to the news Heathrow announced on Thursday, that due to the impact of reduced flight numbers as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, it will operate on just one runway from 6 April (1).

 The new operations will be in “mixed mode”, where aircraft can land and take-off on the same runway. Heathrow say the runway will be alternated on a weekly basis but will also be used in both directions. Previously, planes taking off in an easterly direction could only use the southern runway.

Campaigners hope that this is strictly a temporary measure and will not lead to a plan to increase the number of flights using the airport once the Coronavirus pandemic is over.

 Geraldine Nicholson from local campaign group Stop Heathrow Expansion, said:

“We hope this is just as it says – a temporary measure. Mixed mode can give Heathrow expansion by stealth and will not be acceptable to residents around the airport.

“Heathrow had a big defeat at the High Court recently and we know they want to increase the number of planes using the airport and have previously wanted mixed-mode operations in place permanently. We will hold them to their word that this is a temporary measure.”

ENDS.

Notes:

1.     Letter from Heathrow Airport attached.