Gatwick Airport has raised concerns regarding Heathrow’s plans to add a third runway, arguing that this expansion will financially harm local residents. A representative from Heathrow responded, stating, “The comparison is not fair.”
Homeowners near the proposed third runway at Heathrow are expected to receive “insufficient” compensation for the necessary sound insulation, according to Gatwick officials.
As the second busiest airport in the UK, Gatwick argues that the compensation offered for sound insulation installation is unfavorable for Heathrow area residents, especially as both airports plan to construct new runways, as reported by The Independent on Tuesday.
Gatwick has announced that it will provide each household £6,500 (approximately €7,600). In contrast, Heathrow’s expansion plans indicate that the busiest airport in Europe will offer only £3,000 (around €3,500).
Additionally, Gatwick stated it would compensate individuals exposed to lower noise levels with £4,500, while Heathrow’s current proposal does not include such compensation.
Gatwick expressed that if these shortcomings are not addressed, hundreds of thousands of residents risk significant disadvantages simply due to their proximity to Heathrow. This challenge will particularly impact those who have recently moved into areas affected by airspace changes, according to a Gatwick press release.
The airport has urged the Transport Committee to ensure that compensation levels for the community match at least those stipulated in the recently approved airport development orders for Gatwick and Luton.
These remarks have been submitted to the London Parliament’s Transport Committee in response to the draft national policy statement on Heathrow’s expansion released by the Department for Transport in June.
This draft will serve as a basis for making a decision on granting planning permission for a third runway at Heathrow.
Heathrow Faces Greater Noise Impact
Gatwick representatives also stated, “The Transport Committee must ensure that communities near Heathrow are treated at least as favorably as those near Gatwick, particularly regarding noise mitigation measures and noise limits.”
They emphasized the importance of this issue, noting that the number of individuals affected by noise at Heathrow is approximately 20 times greater than at Gatwick, meaning any inequality in treatment could significantly impact a large number of people.
Heathrow’s Response
In response to the compensation claims, Heathrow characterized the two airports as operating in “completely different environments,” with contrasting night flight restrictions and surrounding areas.
A Heathrow spokesperson remarked, “The comparison is not fair. Gatwick operates 24 hours a day without any restrictions on night flights. While it offers slightly higher compensation in lower noise areas, it targets a much smaller group of affected individuals.”
He continued, “Heathrow’s fully funded sound insulation offer applies to a broader area than Gatwick, benefiting a larger number of those most affected by noise. The reality is that Gatwick and Heathrow operate in different environments, which is why their sound insulation programs are tailored to the local impact.”
