Heathrow has launched its Airspace & Future Operations consultation and is asking local communities to help shape the airport’s plans for its future airspace.

The initiative covers both the existing two runways and forms part of the proposed expansion.

This is the latest milestone for Heathrow expansion following the parliamentary vote last summer.

The launch of this stage of the consultation keeps Heathrow on schedule to deliver expansion, which is part of the key trading infrastructure Britain will need to succeed post-Brexit.

The eight-week consultation is set to run until March 4th and will seek feedback on several key topics, including:

• Airspace change for an expanded Heathrow: the local factors we should consider in different geographic areas when designing future flight paths.
• Airspace change to make better use of our existing two runways: the local factors we should consider in different geographic areas when designing new flight paths for some aircraft arrivals on our existing two runways.
• Future operations for an expanded Heathrow: how we will operate our three runways in the future – this includes managing noise; respite through runway and airspace alternation; directional preference and night flights.

There will be over 30 consultation events across local boroughs throughout the consultation period, where members of the public will be able to ask questions and provide their feedback.

A full list of dates, times and locations can be found here.

The consultation documents and feedback forms are available online for the entire duration of the consultation period, as well as at a number of document inspection locations may also be submitted via post.

This major public consultation follows on from the airport’s first consultation on expansion, which was held from January to March last year.

Heathrow will hold a further consultation in June on its emerging plans for expansion including the new runway and associated physical infrastructure, as well as presenting options to mitigate and manage the effects of the airport’s growth.

Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow executive director for expansion, urged local people to participate in the consultation.

She said: “Heathrow’s aim is to design a sustainable, fair and more efficient future airport while connecting the UK to global growth.

“It is crucial that our plans maximise the benefits of expansion across the country, including for the communities closest to us - and working in partnership with our neighbours is just one way of ensuring they do so.

“We are committed to delivering expansion responsibly, and we encourage everyone to have their say and take part.”