The Arora Group has set out an updated bid to deliver Heathrow West, a competing expansion scheme for London Heathrow Airport centered on a third runway and a new terminal complex west of the existing Terminal 5.
Under the proposal, to be taken forward by subsidiary Heathrow West Limited in partnership with engineering firm Bechtel, the project would add a 2,800-meter runway and a new Terminal 6 developed in two phases. According to the company, the runway would be fully operational by 2035, with the first phase of Terminal 6 (T6A) opening in 2036 and a second phase (T6B) in 2040. Earlier material from the promoter has also referenced a shorter, 2,400-meter option aimed at handling predominantly narrowbody, short-haul traffic while freeing capacity on the existing runways for long-haul operations.
The scheme is positioned as an alternative to Heathrow Airport Limited’s 3,500-meter runway concept, which would require building over the M25 motorway. Arora argues that avoiding an M25 crossing would reduce cost, construction complexity and delivery risk, and keep most activity within the airport boundary. The proposal also emphasizes reduced land take, protection of Green Belt areas and a target of achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating for both construction and operations.
The UK government has stated its objective of securing planning consent this Parliament for a third runway that can be operational by 2035. Both Heathrow and Arora have said their respective projects could meet that deadline. The Department for Transport has requested detailed information from promoters on runway operations, aircraft types, terminal access and noise-respite procedures as part of its review of Heathrow expansion options and the Airports National Policy Statement.