BA Boss Advocates Expanding Heathrow Without Moving M25
British Airways' chief executive, Sean Doyle, has stated that Heathrow Airport should be expanded without relocating the M25 motorway if possible. He acknowledged the reasoning behind building a third runway without diverting the major road.
Government's Heathrow Expansion Plans
The government is reviewing two competing proposals to increase Heathrow's capacity:
- The airport's owners propose constructing a full-length 3,500-metre runway, which would necessitate diverting the M25 motorway.
- The Arora Group seeks approval for a shorter 2,800-metre runway, avoiding the need to move the M25.
Sean Doyle's Comments at Airlines 2025 Conference
"If you can avoid moving the M25, you should avoid moving the M25. I can't argue against the logic of that. I think we should look at ways of potentially building a shorter runway."
The full-length runway plan from Heathrow's owners would require constructing a new tunnel and bridges 130 metres west of the current motorway alignment.
Additional Context
- Heathrow's passenger numbers grew only 0.3% in 2025 amid existing capacity limits.
- Motorists have experienced significant delays due to incidents on the M25 near Heathrow.
Author's summary: Sean Doyle emphasizes avoiding disruption to the M25 by favoring shorter runway options to expand Heathrow, reflecting concerns about infrastructure impact and local traffic.