| answer text |
<p>London Heathrow Airport sought the views of the department on its proposal to move
temporarily all of its operations to the northern runway before this took place on
13 July 2020. In view of the current air traffic demand and its reduced environmental
impacts, and the long-term benefits to the airport from repairing its southern runway,
the government endorsed the airport’s decision to operate solely for a limited period
from the northern runway.</p><p> </p><p>The Government expects London Heathrow Airport
to assess the potential operational, safety and environmental consequences of any
change to its operations before implementation. The specific format of any such assessment,
and the level of detail to be included within it, are the responsibility of London
Heathrow Airport and will need to be undertaken in compliance with its legal and regulatory
obligations.</p><p> </p><p>The government’s longstanding policy is that mixed mode
operations at London Heathrow Airport on its two runways should not be undertaken
other than in agreed circumstances such as when the airport operates in Tactically
Enhanced Arrivals Mode (TEAM). Any proposal by London Heathrow Airport to operate
both runways on a permanent mixed mode basis would need the government’s consent as
well as satisfying all legal requirements.</p><p> </p>
|
|
