Heathrow in talks with airlines to end row that could delay third runway
Summary
Heathrow Airport’s new chairman, Philip Jansen, is in talks with airlines and a local billionaire landowner to resolve disagreements that could delay the construction of a third runway. The discussions focus on the high costs and service concerns related to the £49 billion expansion plan.Key Facts
- Heathrow plans to build a third runway costing £49 billion to expand Europe’s busiest airport.
- Philip Jansen, Heathrow’s new chair since early 2024, is negotiating with airlines and Surinder Arora, a local billionaire proposing his own £25 billion expansion.
- British Airways, controlling over half of Heathrow’s slots, wants the total cost capped at £30 billion.
- Airlines and Arora criticize Heathrow for high charges and seek to reduce operating costs.
- The UK government supports the runway plan, aiming for construction to start by 2029 and operations by 2035.
- Heathrow is owned by a group including French company Ardian and sovereign wealth funds from Qatar, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.
- China Investment Corporation, which owns 10% of Heathrow, may sell its stake due to cost concerns about the expansion.
- Philip Jansen is known for resolving complex business disputes, previously helping fund broadband upgrades in the UK.
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