Heathrow runway usage [Archive]

paulhn

27th Jul 2003, 04:30

Good Evening,
I've just got back from a trip to Heathrow, and tonight runway 09R was being used for landings and 09L for take offs. I've never seen this before and was under the impression that it was banned. Can anyone shed any light for me?
Thanks
Paul

ATCO Two

27th Jul 2003, 07:50

There is a huge crane lifting sections of the road bridge that is being built from the M25 to Terminal 5. The crane is just South of the threshold of 09L, precluding any landings on that runway, therefore 09L was being used for departures and 09R for landings. This configuration is less than ideal, since there is a distinct lack of turnoffs on 09R. Final approach spacing therefore needs to be increased, and delays soon build up.