A Better Heathrow: Heathrow West Limited’s Vision for Expansion
Heathrow West is a transformative vision for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow has long been at the heart of the UK’s global connectivity, enabling trade, supporting business and linking people across the world. As a critical driver of growth, trade and investment, the Government has expressed clear support for its expansion.
Heathrow West is the most practical and credible path to expanding the UK’s most important airport in a way that is feasible, affordable and responsible.
Heathrow West is a comprehensive plan for expansion.
Central to our proposal is a new Terminal 6, located to the west of Terminal 5 and designed to handle up to 40 million passengers each year.
The proposal also includes an initial 2,400m runway that can be operational by 2035, meeting the UK Government’s timeline for expansion.
Engagement will continue to be at the heart of our approach. As we move towards submitting a Development Consent Order in late 2027, we are committed to meaningful consultation with local communities, businesses and stakeholders.
To learn more about our proposal and its benefits, view our information brochure.
Why Heathrow West is needed
The Government has consistently reinforced its support for a new north-west runway and terminal at Heathrow, making expansion a key part of its growth strategy. In January 2025, the Chancellor reaffirmed support for a third runway, setting an ambition for flights to be operating by 2035.
“I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected.”
— Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The Government sees Heathrow expansion as an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen global connections and support economic growth. The challenge now is delivering that expansion efficiently, cost-effectively and, crucially, in time to meet the 2035 target.
To meet the challenge of having new airport infrastructure operational by 2035, Heathrow West offers an innovative approach, combining an initial 2,400m runway with an optimised design for a new western terminal.
“We have committed significant time and resource to producing our latest plans to ensure that they are highly credible, in line with the Government’s objectives and offering better value to airlines and passengers. We will continue to engage fully with airlines and other stakeholders as we prepare to submit for planning.”
Surinder Arora
Founder and Chairman, the Arora Group
“The two-phase approach proposed by Heathrow West is a credible option, with the potential to cap costs for passengers and deliver the benefits of expansion as soon as possible for the UK. We think it is worth further development and should be carefully considered by the UK Government.”
Luis Gallego
CEO, IAG
“At Virgin Atlantic, we have always championed competition and choice. The Heathrow West third runway scheme is credible and should be considered by UK Government as a viable option in the ANPS. Any approach that delivers affordable expansion, to the benefit of consumers, the UK aviation sector and UK economy, is welcomed.”
Corneel Koster
CEO, Virgin Atlantic
“The industry has been clear: Heathrow expansion must be deliverable, financeable, and affordable. Arora is the only party to engage seriously with those constraints in a practical way. This is not theoretical planning; it is a scheme being built with real-world delivery in mind. With competing proposals now in play, this is unequivocally a competitive process. It is essential that Government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) move swiftly to establish a formal, rules-based framework to govern how these schemes are developed and assessed.”
Willie Walsh
Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
“We are proud to operate at over 300 airports in 49 countries, and this two-phase plan delivers for both passengers and UK plc. These also break up the monopoly and challenges the status quo, which has led to Heathrow becoming the world’s most expensive airport, today.”
Warwick Brady
President and CEO, Swissport International AG
“What we are seeing from Heathrow West Limited is a pragmatic, solutions-driven approach. There is a clear recognition of the commercial realities facing airlines, and a willingness to adapt accordingly. That is fundamental to building a scheme that can actually be delivered.”
Nigel Wicking
CEO, Heathrow’s Airline Operators’ Committee
Heathrow West
An innovative, competitive approach for Heathrow Airport expansion
Heathrow West is designed to deliver clear and tangible benefits:
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- By 2035, a 2,400m north-west runway can be operational, in line with the Government’s deadline and around 5 years earlier than a 3,500m runway.
- A simpler, lower-risk construction approach that avoids major disruption, including building over the M25.
- Earlier completion unlocks capacity sooner, strengthening UK connectivity and economic growth.
- A better passenger experience driven by smart terminal location and modern design.
- More choice and competition, raising service quality and better delivery.
- Lower costs for airlines and passengers through a more efficient delivery model.
- Improved transport options and less land take.
Explore the Heathrow West proposal in detail.
Share your views and feedback on the Heathrow West proposal as part of the consultation process.
Heathrow West at a glance
A new world-class terminal
A new passenger terminal that puts increased capacity and passenger experience at its heart.
A new deliverable runway
An initial 2,400m north-west runway operational by 2035, around 5 years earlier than a 3,500m runway.
Privately financed
Delivered through private funding, without reliance on public investment.
Focus on passenger experience
Prioritising getting passengers through the airport efficiently and improving the experience.
Shaped through feedback
The project is being shaped through consultation with stakeholders, communities and airlines before a planned submission in late 2027.
UK economic contribution
Heathrow West aims to support long-term economic growth, jobs and trade connectivity across the UK.
Heathrow Reimagined: A Better Hub for Britain
The Arora Group is a member of Heathrow Reimagined, a coalition launched in 2025 by the Heathrow Airline Operators’ Committee (AOC), Arora Group, International Airlines Group (IAG) and Virgin Atlantic.
The campaign calls for reform of Heathrow’s regulatory framework, arguing that the UK’s only hub airport – where passengers can connect between domestic and international flights – should operate more efficiently and competitively for the benefit of consumers, businesses and the wider economy.
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