AIR WE GO
Major UK airport reveals plans to expand two of its terminals as part of multi-billion renovation
Plus, the three other UK airports undergoing multi-million renovations
LONDON'S Heathrow Airport is set to benefit from a 'once-in-a-generation investment,' that will see capacity at two of its terminals increase.
Under the plans, passenger capacity at Terminal 5 will increase with the number of aircraft stands set to rise.
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The increase in aircraft stands (where planes are parked) could see flight routes at the airport increase.
Although no new routes have been announced under the plans, increasing passenger capacity will either mean bigger aircraft or more flights.
Stands are also used to inspect aircraft before a flight, so the extra facilities could mean less waiting around for passengers as planes are turned around.
Money will also be pumped into infrastructure at Terminal 2, although very little has been revealed about the terminal's revamp.
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Bus and coach connections will also be improved - although it is not clear whether these connections are internal or external.
If they are external, the improved public transport options could make it easier for passengers to reach Heathrow Airport from London and other parts of the country.
Later today, chief executive Thomas Woldbye is expected to say: "This privately-funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year."
The new investment will build on the airport's £2.3billion renovation, which was announced at the end of last year.
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Heathrow's latest revamp will be 100 per cent privately funded.
Before work can begin, the plans need to be approved by the UK Government and other regulatory bodies.
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With Woldbye expected to add, "This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement."
If the plans are approved, work will start on improving facilities inside Heathrow Airport before looking at any external work.
Heathrow Airport is expected to submit a full proposal to the government this summer.
What about the third runway at Heathrow?
Heathrow Airport will submit a proposal for a third runway to the government later this year.
Weeks ago, Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed plans to install a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
But both Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan raised environmental concerns over the third runway.
Reeves has previously countered these concerns, saying a new runway would see fewer planes circling London as they attempted to land, which would mean cleaner air.
If a third runway does indeed open at the major London airport, holidaymakers could be hit with more expensive flights.
Figures show it could cost as much as £20billion to add a third runway to Heathrow.
Airport bosses have asked for the cap on landing fees to be increased, in a bid to help cover the cost of the expansion.
The landing fee cap is enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority and is set over five years.
While this year's landing charge is set at £23.73 per passenger, it is set to drop to £23.71 in 2026.
Even though airlines pay the cap, the cost is often passed onto passengers who cover the charge when paying for flights.
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Three other UK airports getting revamped
HERE are three other airports in the UK currently undergoing multi-million-pound renovations.
London Stansted
Last year, London Stansted Airport confirmed its plans for the £1.1 billion renovation. The Ryanair hub will be extending its main terminal. £500million will be put into improving the current terminal and the rest of the airport.
Bristol Airport
A renovation at Bristol Airport will also see its terminal size increase. The £400 million revamp follows a record number of people travelling through the airport, welcoming 10 million passengers in a 12-month period for the first time ever.
Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is currently being revamped. The £1.3billion project was first announced back in 2015, with work being split into two phases.
London Stansted Airport confirmed a £1.1billion renovation, with a £600million new terminal.
And Manchester Airport is currently undergoing a £1.3billion renovation.
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