News

Tests of air quality around Heathrow have shown it is within European safety limits.

A team of scientists working for the government tested 18 areas around the airport and found levels of nitrogen dioxide were within European limits in all but two areas.

The results of the testing is likely to convince ministers that environmental concerns holding back a new third runway are not as serious as previously believed and the project could get the go-ahead.

Professor Ian Poll, of the aerospace engineering department at Cranfield University, told the Times: "The problem of air pollution is manageable and the continued expansion of Heathrow is desirable and technologically feasible.

"This report gives us a far better understanding of air quality issues and will stand up to the toughest scrutiny."

It is calculated a new runway and a sixth terminal could allow for 175,000 more flights a year.


© Adfero Ltd