Heathrow Airport’s newly unveiled expansion plans have come under fire from local politicians, with Bassam Mahfouz, the London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, voicing strong concerns.
The airport’s proposals, which it says could be completed within 10 years, include a third runway – dubbed the “North-Western Runway” – stretching up to 3,500 metres. Heathrow claims the expansion would boost annual capacity to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers, up from the current 84 million. A new terminal, T5X, would be built alongside three new satellite terminals, while Terminal 3 would be closed.
Mr Mahfouz said: “Having fought hard to reduce toxic gases across Ealing and Hillingdon over the past few years, I don’t want that undone with an expanded Heathrow.”
Heathrow’s expansion ambitions have faced years of legal and political resistance, with climate activists, local councils and residents opposing further growth. Mr Mahfouz joins a growing number of critics, echoing concerns from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Mr Mahfouz added: “I have concerns above these proposals and will be scrutinising these plans in detail, but like the Mayor of London, remain unconvinced so far and opposed to a bigger Heathrow Airport.”
Environmental groups have long cited the airport’s contribution to both air and noise pollution. Mr Mahfouz emphasised the need for any expansion to meet broader environmental and social standards.
Mr Mahfouz said: “Any proposals must meet our climate objectives, guarantee good quality, well-paid jobs for local people and, my constituents who are already blighted by noise pollution cannot hear even more jet engines roar over their homes.”
