British Indian Hotelier Surinder Arora Competes to Expand Heathrow Airport

British Indian hotelier Surinder Arora has entered the race to expand Heathrow Airport, submitting his “Heathrow West” proposal to the UK Department for Transport on July 31, 2025. This marks the first time the government has invited competing plans for Heathrow’s third runway, opening the door to new ideas and approaches for one of the world’s busiest airports.

The Arora Group, led by Surinder Arora, joined forces with Bechtel and other major infrastructure partners to submit the Heathrow West plan. Their proposal stands out for its focus on cost control, sustainability, and minimizing disruption to local communities. The plan features a shorter third runway—2,800 meters instead of the 3,500 meters proposed by Heathrow Airport Ltd. This shorter runway is designed to avoid the expensive and disruptive need to move the M25 motorway, a major road that circles London.

A new Terminal 6 is also part of the proposal, with construction planned in two phases: T6A by 2036 and T6B by 2040. The total cost is estimated at under £25 billion, not including redevelopment of the existing central area. The Arora Group says this approach will help avoid “spiralling costs” that have affected other large infrastructure projects. If approved, the new runway could be ready by 2035, with the new terminal opening in stages after that.

Sustainability is a key part of the Heathrow West plan. The project aims for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, which is a top standard for environmentally friendly buildings in the UK. The proposal includes steps to cut carbon emissions, protect green spaces, restore local rivers, and improve community amenities. These measures are meant to address concerns about the environmental impact of airport expansion.

For the first time, the UK government has allowed rival proposals for Heathrow’s expansion, ending the previous practice of only considering plans from the airport’s current operator, Heathrow Airport Ltd. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will review all submitted proposals as part of a rapid review of the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS). This policy sets the rules for major airport projects in the country. The Department for Transport plans to review and compare the proposals later in 2025, aiming to secure planning approval before the next General Election.

Surinder Arora has highlighted the plan’s focus on cost efficiency, reduced risk, and a strong commitment to delivering the project on time and on budget. He points to the Arora Group’s track record in building hotels and other developments near airports as proof of their ability to handle large, complex projects. Bechtel, the group’s main infrastructure partner, brings experience from nearly 200 airport projects around the world.

Heathrow Airport Ltd, the current operator, is also submitting its own expansion plan. Their original proposal included a longer runway and major changes to the M25 motorway, but they are now reportedly open to the idea of a shorter runway as well. This shift shows that the competition has already influenced the airport’s thinking.

The UK government, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has publicly supported the idea of a third runway at Heathrow as part of a broader plan to boost economic growth. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will oversee the review and may suggest changes to the Airports NPS if the new proposals differ a lot from the current policy. Any big changes would require public consultation and a review by Parliament.

Airlines and business groups generally support expanding Heathrow Airport, saying it will help the UK stay connected to the world and support economic growth. However, some are worried that the costs of expansion could lead to higher airport fees, which might be passed on to passengers. Environmental groups strongly oppose any expansion, warning that it could increase pollution and make it harder for the UK to meet its climate change goals.

The economic impact of expanding Heathrow is expected to be large. Government estimates suggest the project could bring in £5.5 billion over several decades, while the British Chambers of Commerce put the figure as high as £30 billion. The construction phase could create up to 60,000 jobs, with 8,000 new operational jobs at Heathrow by 2030. The new terminal and runway are expected to increase capacity, reduce delays, and make the airport more reliable for passengers.

The Arora proposal claims a smaller construction footprint and better sustainability compared to previous plans. Still, environmental groups remain critical, saying any expansion will add to climate and pollution problems. Local communities have mixed feelings. Some welcome the promise of new jobs and investment, while others worry about noise, traffic, and the environment.

The process for choosing the winning proposal involves several steps:

1. Proposal Submission: Competing plans, including Heathrow West and the airport operator’s own plan, are submitted to the Department for Transport.
2. NPS Review: The Airports National Policy Statement is reviewed and may be changed if the new proposals are very different from the old policy.
3. Public Consultation: Any changes to the NPS will be shared with the public for feedback and reviewed by Parliament.
4. Development Consent Order (DCO): The chosen plan must apply for a DCO, which is examined by the Planning Inspectorate and finally decided by the Secretary of State for Transport.
5. Construction and Phasing: If approved, construction of the new runway and terminal would begin, aiming for the runway to be ready by 2035 and the terminal to open in stages by 2040.

Stakeholders have different views on the expansion:

• Arora Group: Supports a cost-effective, sustainable plan with less disruption.
• Heathrow Airport Ltd: Wants expansion, originally with a longer runway, but now open to shorter options.
• UK Government: Backs expansion for economic reasons and now welcomes competition in proposals.
• Airlines/Business: Support expansion for better connections and growth but worry about possible fee increases.
• Environmental Groups: Oppose expansion due to climate and pollution concerns.
• Local Communities: Mixed opinions, with some supporting jobs and investment, others worried about noise and the environment.

Looking ahead, the Department for Transport will review and compare the proposals later in 2025, with a decision expected before the next General Election. If the government changes the Airports NPS, this could change the approval process and lead to more public discussion. If approved, the Arora Group’s plan aims for a 10-year build period, with phased openings through 2040. The debate over the balance between economic growth and environmental protection is likely to continue.

For more details on the government’s role in airport expansion, readers can visit the official UK Department for Transport website. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the outcome of this competition could set a new standard for how major infrastructure projects are planned and delivered in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Surinder Arora’s Heathrow West proposal has brought new ideas and competition to the table, promising a faster, cheaper, and more sustainable way to expand Heathrow Airport. The coming months will show whether this new approach can win government approval and shape the future of air travel in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Learn Today

Heathrow West → A competing airport expansion proposal featuring a shorter runway and sustainable design submitted in 2025.
BREEAM → A UK environmental assessment method rating buildings for sustainability and minimal ecological impact.
M25 motorway → A major London orbital road, whose relocation is costly and avoided in Heathrow West’s plan.
Development Consent Order (DCO) → Official government approval required for large infrastructure projects like airport expansions in the UK.
Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) → UK government policy outlining rules and plans for major airport developments.

This Article in a Nutshell

Surinder Arora’s ‘Heathrow West’ proposal challenges traditional plans with a shorter runway, sustainable design, and lower costs, aiming to reshape Heathrow’s expansion by 2040 with environmental care and community focus.
— By VisaVerge.com