Government against mixed-mode operation at Heathrow

News at Heathrow 02/08/2010

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The Transport secretary re-stated government opposition to expansion at London airports.

The government is opposed to expanding capacity at Heathrow Airport by implementing mixed-mode operation on existing runways. This follows the government’s cancellation of runway expansion plans back in May. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond yesterday told MPs from the transport select committee that the government does not favour mixed-mode operation at the airport. He said the disadvantages for local communities outweigh any benefits offered by such expansion.

Under mixed-mode operation, aircraft take off and land on the same runway. Heathrow has two runways but they are each only allowed to handle landings or take offs. Each afternoon, the runway operations switch, providing local residents with a certain amount of relief from the increased noise created when aircraft take off. Other airports operate safely using mixed-mode operation on single runways.

Mr Hammond reiterated the government’s intention that increased travel capacity should come from the use of rail and that regional airports would not need to expand in order to support increasing capacity not provided at Heathrow. He also said that Heathrow would remain the UK’s one international hub. Mr Hammond added that moving traffic from air to rail would be a key part of ensuring that Heathrow remains an international travel hub.

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