Thanks Noknoipobin, very useful.
One of the many things I don't believe about Heathrow's "need" is that the existing runways are more than adequate for all traffic from LHR that needs that much runway. What possible projected increase in long range traffic can they anticipate that would use the capacity of 3 runways ALL that length, especially with the cost and disruption associated with the M25 to accomodate it?
Off topic - who remembers operating off the PREVIOUS third LHR runway? I say: just reinstate 23L! It was always fun!
According to wikipedia (!) it was not decommissioned until 2005 and in another thread Topbunk says "The last approach I flew to LHR 23 (SRA) was 1st Feb 2002 in A319 G-EUOD as BA363 from LYS in VERY strong SW winds ar about 2200Z." So only just over 21 years ago..... might be quicker than the arguments they're having now!
Last edited by slast; 5th March 2026 at 10:56.