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Heathrow: New runway and terminal get green light

15th January 2009 The government has given the go-ahead for a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow, saying it is the "right" move for the country.

The decision, confirmed by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon, comes despite opposition from environmentalists, local residents and many MPs.

However the government has attached three conditions to the announcement:

* The third runway will operate at half its capacity when it opens in 2020, raising the total number of flights from 480,000 to 600,000, rather than the 702,000 intended

* Aircraft using the new runway will have to meet strict greenhouse gas emissions standards

* Total carbon emissions from UK aviation must fall below 2005 levels by 2050

BAA's Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, has welcomed the government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow.

"This decision opens the door to Heathrow becoming a truly world class hub airport, and to the UK maintaining the direct connections to the rest of the world on which our prosperity depends.

"Meeting the environmental targets will be demanding, but, whilst we have to study the detail in today's announcement, we are determined to work with the rest of the aviation industry to achieve them.

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