High speed rail could cut Heathrow domestic flights by 20%
17.01.12
The new HS2 high speed rail link could cut thousands of domestic flights from Heathrow. Initial estimates from airport operator BAA show the high speed rail line will replace between 9,000 to 10,000 domestic flights a year when it is fully linked to Heathrow.
Last year, there were 45,800 domestic services to and from Heathrow, but the new rail link could result a 20% drop. However, the estimate is based on the full direct link to Heathrow, including the route to Leeds and Manchester, which is not expected to be in place until at least 2032. A drop of 9,000 - 10,000 flights would only represent 2% of the airport's capacity, and it is likely the slots freed up would be used for more profitable long haul flights, operated using bigger planes and resulting in increased passengers.
Fewer domestic flights will be lost by phase one of HS2, due to run from London to Birmingham with an interchange at Old Oak Common, allowing onward travel to Heathrow.
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