A hotel and property firm has unveiled an alternative design for the expansion of Heathrow airport and claims it cost less than half of the current plan.
Arora Group has revealed their own third runway scheme, which will increase capacity at the London hub, which is the busiest airport in Europe.
The firm, founded by tycoon Surinder Arora wants to concentrate new terminal capacity between Terminal 5 and the M25, to avoid having to redevelop Terminals 2 and 3, which they say would be far more expensive.
An artist’s impression showing plans by Arora Group for an alternative proposal to the expansion plans for Heathrow Airport
The current approved scheme by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) has the support of the government, and will received outline planning consent if it passes a vote in Parliament due in the coming weeks.
But amid concern from airlines that they will be hit with increased fees as a result of the project, Arora Group says it offers a cheaper alternative.
It estimates that building a new runway and accommodating 130 million passengers per year would cost £14.4 billion under its method.
Although HAL has indicated its plan will cost £14 billion, Arora Group claim that this is ‘misleading’ as it will need to invest further to accommodate the full capacity of passengers.
It added: ‘The Arora plans are therefore ultra-efficient and at a cost of under half HAL’s.’
It stated that the Government’s Airports Commission estimated the HAL plan would cost £31 billion.
![A infographic showing how Arora's plans would feature an elevated bridge, wide body taxiways and flexible aircraft parking](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/03/16/4BCDE74700000578-5686535-image-a-121_1525360464151.jpg)
A infographic showing how Arora’s plans would feature an elevated bridge, wide body taxiways and flexible aircraft parking
![Another graphic shows how the alternative plans would affect passengers. Arora Group claim they would minimise the number of level changes they would need to make](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/03/15/4BCDE75700000578-5686535-image-a-110_1525358657189.jpg)
Another graphic shows how the alternative plans would affect passengers. Arora Group claim they would minimise the number of level changes they would need to make
Mr Arora explained: ‘Heathrow has been in monopoly control for too long and our proposals show what can be achieved through an alternative approach and Heathrow fully welcoming competition.’
A spokesman for British Airways’ parent company IAG urged the Government to allow third parties to run terminals at the west London hub.
He said: ‘The Arora proposal looks very interesting and deserves to be properly evaluated so that customers can get the best facilities at the most affordable price.’
While Virgin Atlantic chief executive Craig Kreeger described Heathrow expansion as a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ to challenge the status quo.
![An artist's impression showing Heathrow's current preferred plans, which already have the support of the government](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/03/15/4BD00E9200000578-5686535-image-a-108_1525358657105.jpg)
An artist’s impression showing Heathrow’s current preferred plans, which already have the support of the government
![Heathrow Airport Limited hopes to begin construction in early 2021, with the third runway completed by the end of 2025](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/03/15/4BD00E9E00000578-5686535-image-a-109_1525358657106.jpg)
Heathrow Airport Limited hopes to begin construction in early 2021, with the third runway completed by the end of 2025
He added: ‘Arora have developed a plan that will bring down the cost of construction and inject competition at the UK’s hub airport.
‘At first look, this plan appears to be a credible alternative.
‘Virgin Atlantic believes passionately in the benefits of competition to consumers, so we urge all involved in Heathrow expansion to give the Arora plan serious consideration.’
![Another rendering showing Heathrow's proposal. They say Arora's plans show a complete lack of understanding of airport operations](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/03/15/4BD00EA300000578-5686535-image-a-107_1525358657105.jpg)
Another rendering showing Heathrow’s proposal. They say Arora’s plans show a complete lack of understanding of airport operations
HAL hopes to begin construction in early 2021, with the third runway completed by the end of 2025.
John Holland-Kaye, HAL chief executive, said Arora Group’s proposals ‘show a complete lack of understanding of airport operations and disregard for those living closest to the airport’.
He continued: ‘I have met with Mr Arora several times to see how we can work together to deliver the integrated hub airport capacity that Britain needs. Each time he has refused to engage with us.’