Airlines have raised concerns over Heathrow’s third runway plans as they believe its effectiveness as a hub airport is hampered by the way it is run.
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00:00A recent survey has found many airlines that provide services to and from Heathrow Airport
00:09have significant concerns over the airport's efficiency, and more than two out of three
00:15airlines agreed that the airport's operation stifles their ability to increase investment.
00:21In short, these are big concerns if the airport is going to get another runway.
00:28Let me give you some numbers. Some 60% of respondents believe Heathrow's service levels
00:35inside terminals are worse than at other major airports, with claims of long security lines,
00:42baggage system failures and poor treatment of passengers, which restricts mobility. And
00:4990% of respondents to a survey of 50 carriers which use the West London Airport agrees with
00:55the assertion the airport's effectiveness is hampered by the way it is run. I might
01:02add Heathrow is supposedly the world's most expensive airport for charges, with airlines
01:09paying £1.1 billion more each year than if fees were in line with equivalent major European
01:16airports. Of course, these charges are ultimately passed on to customers through airfares. These
01:24concerns are now pushing airlines to question the effectiveness of any potential third runway
01:30at Heathrow, as now sanctioned by the government as part of the Chancellor's growth plans,
01:37with the intention of boosting not only the local economy, but also the national economy.