Who said the LHR route would end? Have I missed something?
Let's re-wind a bit - I was responding to this comment (my underlining)
I have to say that I'm still surprised that LBA and NCL, two airports already connected to LHR, are supportive of LHR expansion. The only reason I can think of is the perceived threat of losing those connections if R3 is not approved should BA then choose to use those slots for other services. But NCL in particular, having won EK and UA flights, should surely be focused on attracting more direct services both short haul and long haul.
Why is it surprising that NCL is supporting it's single largest route, one of the regions major connections to the national capital (given that we don't even have a motorway link) and its link to, whether people like it or not, what is still a major global gateway (I thought we liked regional connectivity?).