Ministers urged to withdraw Heathrow noise claim

Heathrow’s proposed third runway continues to cause headaches for the government with local councillors calling on transport secretary Chris Grayling to withdraw claims that the expanded airport will be quieter. Air Cargo News reports that Wandsworth, Hillingdon, Richmond, Windsor and Maidenhead councils have all disputed Mr Grayling’s assertion. Furthermore, the government is also being pressurised by IAG to make airport authorities provide a detailed breakdown of the expansion’s costs. Carriers are concerned the cost of expansion will result in increased charges – although ATW says the airport operator has identified some £2.5bn in potential savings.