Heathrow in talks with airlines to end row that could delay third runway
Heathrow's new chair Philip Jansen is holding talks with airlines and billionaire landowner Surinder Arora to resolve disputes over the cost and service issues tied to the planned third runway. The discussions aim to address concerns from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Arora, who are part of a campaign pushing for lower operating costs at the airport. Without agreement, the £49bn expansion project risks further delays despite government support and a target to begin construction by 2029.
- ▪Heathrow's new chair Philip Jansen has held meetings with British Airways' parent company IAG, Virgin Atlantic, and billionaire Surinder Arora to resolve disputes over the third runway's cost.
- ▪British Airways and other carriers demand the third runway project be capped at £30bn, significantly below the current £49bn estimate.
- ▪Surinder Arora, a major Heathrow critic, is promoting a competing £25bn expansion plan and has long accused the airport of charging excessive fees.
- ▪The UK aviation regulator rejected Heathrow's proposal to raise landing fees to fund upgrades, citing high existing costs.
- ▪China Investment Corporation, which owns 10% of Heathrow, is reportedly considering selling its stake due to concerns over rising expansion costs.
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A plane on the approach to Heathrow. BA, Virgin and Surinder Arora are part of a campaign group seeking to reduce the costs of operating at the airport. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA plane on the approach to Heathrow. BA, Virgin and Surinder Arora are part of a campaign group seeking to reduce the costs of operating at the airport. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty ImagesHeathrow airportHeathrow in talks with airlines to end row that could delay third runwayAirport seeks deal with BA owner, Virgin and billionaire local landowner, who has own expansion plan, over cost and service issuesMark SweneySun 3 May 2026 10.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 10.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleHeathrow’s new chair has opened talks with airlines and the billionaire…
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