A representative of BAA, the owners of Heathrow Airport, has refused to rule out a further expansion of the hub.
Stephen Nelson, the company’s chief executive, told a London Assembly meeting that the proposed sixth terminal and third runway that it hopes to build by 2020 were the current extent of the operator’s plans.
However, he would not deny outright suggestions that BAA might, in the future, look to build additional terminals and runways at Heathrow.
“It is very important for me to emphasise looking forward I will not be giving undertakings which in some sense could be considered hostage to fortune in the future,” Mr Nelson said.
“It would be inappropriate for me to speculate on whether there will be a further case for capacity expansion beyond 2030.”
Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is scheduled to open this March, while the Department for Transport consultation on the plans for a third runway and sixth terminal ends on February 27.
