From someone who lives outside of London, it initially looks like LHR make rules up as they go along.
Even in Cat 3 conditions they seem to land 27L and 27R now did they used to do that ?
When there are EAT long delays airlines like BA now seem to simply cancel less lucrative short haul outbounds to make sure more long hauls get in and out.
Airlines seem able to change inbounds approaches in times of delay ie a BA 319 last winter heard via the scanner gave his slot up to a BA 747 lower on fuel.
Similarly a BA 77W seemed able to take the slot of a BA 321 well infront as he stated he didn't have much fuel.
A decade ago if there was fog a plane could either hold or had to divert.
Im sure LHR has the strictest and safest rules of all our airports, but for some reason they seem to have far more leeway than other airports in the UK into procedures now.
Can the experts who know far more about LHR procedures tell me if things have changed as much as it seems ?
Nigel