HGH, SZX, CAN, XMN, WUH
So why shouldn't he use these facts to get R3 approved
LHR
will accommodate all the services it needs to regional China regardless of whether R3 is built or not. In the event of runway capacity scarcity, you can be certain that expendable short-haul frequencies will be sacrificed to make way. That is the way it has always worked in this industry, at LHR and elsewhere. But actively promoting the myth that LHR will be turning away priority long-haul opportunities serves the vested interests who want R3 approved at all costs. Of course, the gutsy solution would be to permit increased night-flying by quieter new-generation widebodies. But the politicians are too wimpish to consider that.
The terminal situation concerns me, you hit max capacity when you have to reduce capacity due to building work!!!!
This actually isn't the true situation. The first phase of the TP is a massive new-build extension of T2 out to the West and onto 'Staff Wales' Car Park. Only when this terminal capacity comes online will there be a need to withdraw (much smaller) chunks of the existing complex section by section. Note that the TP increases T2 passenger capacity by 140%, so don't underestimate the scale of new-build involved in the extension to the West.