New flightpaths to expose new areas to noise
at Heathrow. The measures, which include intensification of use of the existing
two runways, are also set to include proposals for a third runway. What used
to be seen as a problem for west London will now affect large areas of the capital
and Home Counties. Passenger numbers at Heathrow are currently around 68 million
a year. These could rise to 116 million with both Terminal Five and a third runway.
The eventual total could reach 151 million if the new runway were used to its
full capacity and mixed mode landings and take offs introduced on the two existing
runways. (2M group – Wandsworth)