BA offers deal on third runway

British Airways will try to head off protests about the proposed expansion of Heathrow by offering residents a legal agreement promising nothing bigger than a short third runway.

A full-length runway, capable of handing jumbo jets, would require the demolition of thousands of west London homes. BA believes that residents will be placated if a legal guarantee is given that the short runway, which would result in the loss of 260 homes, will never be extended.

A 2,200-yard short runway could handle an extra 27 million passengers a year, a fulllength one could accommodate double that. However, to reach the short runway aircraft would need to cross the north runway. That problem would be resolved by an extension eastwards.

BA is promoting the idea among local council leaders. Ministers are understood to be interested in the idea but believe it will be difficult to persuade local residents.