thanks for the replies Re: Northolt
i do appreciate how the air traffic system works (pilot, not ATC) and how congested the London area is. However, if expanded operations at Northolt, perhaps on a new 2500m runway parallel to LHRs would cause more congestion in Londons terminal airspace, wouldn’t a third runway at LHR will achieve the same result? it further strengthens the case for giving it to LGW or wherever?
i've run out of suggestions anyway, its a shame this was not thought about pre-terminal 4 / stansted etc, a different location is what was really needed..