Heathrow expansion is £3bn ‘gravy train’, says BA boss Walsh

PLANS for a third runway at Heathrow amount to a “massive gravy train” and will cost passengers more than £3bn before a spade is in the ground, said Willie Walsh, boss of British Airways’ parent IAG, as he launched another attack on the airport’s management.

IAG called the extension a “heist” and said it had “absolutely no confidence in Heathrow’s ability to deliver cost-effective expansion”.

“Heathrow’s on a massive gravy train,” said Mr Walsh. “The airport’s chief executive thinks expansion is a ‘fait accompli’ but with judicial, environmental and political hurdles ahead, there’s no guarantee. Spending £3.3bn before receiving planning permission is irresponsible and it’s completely unacceptable to expect passengers to pick up the tab.” Heathrow bosses accused Mr Walsh of “misleading rhetoric”.

The broadside comes after Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, raised fears about the viability of the runway. Opponents of the expansion are to appeal against a High Court decision not to quash the Government’s approval.