An update on the Heathrow Easterly Alternation Project
At Heathrow, easterly operations occur, on average, 28% of the time. It is wind direction that dictates the direction of Heathrow’s operations. Because of the Cranford Agreement, or more particularly now because Heathrow does not have the infrastructure that allows alternation to occur, during easterly operations all departures are from the southern runway, and all arrivals to the northern runway.
Runway alternation is a system used at Heathrow to provide noise respite to local communities during westerly operations. The system works so that the arrival runways are alternated between the northern and southern runways at 3 pm local time on a weekly basis from Monday to Sunday. The alternation arrangements are in place during daytime hours for one-week cycles.
For more detail visit Easterly Alternation - Background information
In discussion with Heathrow and Hillingdon Council CISHA was asked to set up a coordinated an independently chaired meeting with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities, so that the content of the Easterly Alternation scoping opinion can be communicated and discussed in a constructive way.
This project consisted of two elements:
1. Ground infrastructure changes:
Taxiway adjustments: Improving the ground routes for aircraft between terminals and the northern runway, to facilitate full runway alternation when Heathrow Airport is operating in an easterly direction (towards London)
Noise barrier: Constructing a new noise barrier at Longford to mitigate noise impact
This element of the project will require planning permission from London Borough of Hillingdon under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
2. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) procedures:
The second element required Heathrow to comply with the CAA airspace regulatory procedures to utilise the current airspace structure for full runway alternation during easterly operations.
The two elements of the project are required to enable Heathrow to alternate runways when on easterly operations in the same way we already do for westerly operations. It will also provide more equitable distribution of aircraft noise for our local communities.
Heathrow’s proposals will not change the number of aircraft flying in and out of Heathrow. They are also not a forerunner to any potential airport expansion. This project supports the end of the Cranford Agreement and allows a more even distribution of noise for local communities.
To support this project Heathrow held a series of engagement events in the local community, which were open for all to attend. There were members of the project team on hand to answer any questions about the proposals. View the Heathrow Easterly Alternation webpage for more information.
Easterly Alternation Consortium meetings
In discussion with Heathrow and Hillingdon Council CISHA was asked to set up a coordinated an independently chaired meeting with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities, so that the content of the Easterly Alternation scoping opinion can be communicated and discussed in a constructive way.
The group, chaired by Mark Izatt, has met three times - on 28th March, the 25th June, and 24th September. An additional Teams meeting was also held and chaired by CISHA with only the neighbouring Local Planning Authorities to run through and discuss consultation arrangements.
Meeting Notes
28th March
25th June
24th September
24th October (via Teams)
On Thursday 24th October 2024, Heathrow Airport submitted its planning proposal to the London Borough of Hillingdon. Hillingdon undertook a validation process for the submission proposal. Following the validation period, Hillingdon held a public consultation on the proposal received. The consultation ran from 14th November 2024 until 20th January 2025.
Looking Ahead
The Easterly Alternation Project represents an important step forward for Heathrow and its surrounding communities. By enabling runway alternation during easterly operations, Heathrow aims to improve the quality of life for local residents by reducing the impact of aircraft noise in a more balanced way. While there is still work to be done before the project is fully approved and implemented, the consultation process and community engagement efforts show a strong commitment to addressing local concerns and ensuring that the needs of both the airport and its neighboring communities are met. Heathrow hopes to receive a decision from Hillingdon by Spring 2025.