Temporary changes to Heathrow runway alternation for 6 weeks starting 13th Sept
place on taxiways connecting Heathrow’s northern runway with the rest of the airfield.
This means that Heathrow will not be able to alternate daytime use of the runways
as published during this period, although night time alternation will be unaffected.
of concrete blocks. Regular maintenance checks have shown that some of these blocks
could become unstable, which can cause the asphalt to break up. For important
safety reasons, we now need to replace these blocks to avoid debris getting into
aircraft engines.
airport is on westerly operations during this time (when the wind is coming from
the west, with aircraft coming in to land over London and take-off towards Windsor),
we will use the southern runway for the majority of arrivals and the northern
runway for departures. As a result, people living under the arrivals flight path
for the southern runway will not have the usual half-day respite from aircraft
noise. This includes north Feltham, south Hounslow, Isleworth and Richmond.
not have the usual half-day respite from aircraft noise. This includes Colnbrook,
south Slough, Windsor, Datchet and also Staines and Egham when certain departure
routes are used.
all affected. We would not suspend alternation if there was any other alternative.
This work is critical to the future safe operation of Heathrow,” said Colin Wood,
Heathrow’s Director of Airside Operations.
east, with aircraft coming in to land over Windsor and take-off towards London),
the usual practice will not change. This will mean that we continue to use the
southern runway for the majority of departures and the northern runway for arrivals.
Throughout the period, night time alternation will also be unaffected.
works or have an enquiry regarding aircraft noise please call the flight evaluation
unit on 0800 344 844 or email
