The Uncertain Future of Heathrow Expansion: An Opportunity for Heathrow to Build Bridges with its Neighbours
The ongoing legal process resulting from the Court of Appeal’s decision at the end of February has continued to create uncertainty about the future of Heathrow Airport’s expansion proposals and all those impacted by them. That uncertainty has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to have a huge impact on people, communities, businesses, airports, travel and airspace in the UK as well as around the world. Many UK airlines have grounded hundreds of aircraft and staff including those at Heathrow Airport. While some are enjoying the quieter skies, many people rely on Heathrow for their income, whether directly or through their supply chain.
The impact of the judgment and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic mean that Heathrow Airport is understandably reviewing its plans to expand and build a third runway. We believe this presents a unique opportunity to re-invest in the relationship between the airport and its immediate neighbours.
Last summer, we met with representatives from Vienna Airport DialogForum (their equivalent of the HCEB). We were impressed with what they had been able to achieve in the last 10 years of operation and we invited them to present to communities, stakeholders and Heathrow’s CEO, John Holland-Kaye, in October last year. The DialogForum facilitates communication, providing an opportunity for local communities to raise concerns about Vienna Airport’s operations today, as well as having a meaningful voice in developing its plans for the future. Having hit pause on their plans for a third runway just over 10 years ago, Vienna Airport have spent the last decade working with the DialogForum to invest in the Airport’s relationship with its neighbours. This sort of forward thinking is something that would be of huge benefit to Heathrow Airport and those it impacts; and was the focus of our discussions at the event last October.
Heathrow Airport continues to play a critical role in the national recovery from COVID-19 but for many, expansion remains a controversial topic. With those plans on pause for the time being, now is the time to be investing in relationships for the long-term; to make sure life around Heathrow is better tomorrow than it is today. Heathrow have made a public commitment to being a good neighbour, something which is just as important with 2 runways. We welcome John Holland-Kaye’s clarity and leadership in this area, stating at an industry conference: “we need to earn our license to operate and our right to grow by being a good neighbour.”
Over the last week, I have had one-to-one calls with a number of local authority leaders and the importance of this message could not be more clear. Being a good neighbour means investing in long-term relationships and engaging in meaningful dialogue with all parties. Facilitating this dialogue will remain the focus for the HCEB.
On 3 June, we will be holding a “virtual” independent forum, with an agenda focussed on what the recovery from COVID-19 looks like for Heathrow Airport and everyone who it impacts. More details will be published on our website when they are available.
In addition, we have repurposed our sustainable communities platform. With the Government’s lockdown rules meaning most people are exploring the parks and green spaces in their local area more than ever before, we want to collect the views and opinions of local people on what life is like around Heathrow during the COVID-19 crisis and what they would like to see in terms of long-term investment in their area.
If Heathrow Airport affects you, we’re still here to help. If you need to contact us, get in touch oninfo@hceb.org.uk or call 020 3488 0290.
Rachel Cerfontyne
Independent Chair of the Heathrow Community Engagement Board Ltd.