British Airways Sees Third Runway Transform Network

British Airways (BA) is eyeing a transformative future for its operations at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) with the long-discussed addition of a third runway. Neil Chernoff, BA’s Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, outlined how the new runway could fundamentally reshape the airline’s network strategy by addressing current capacity constraints that force the carrier to run a “rolling hub” instead of a traditional hub-and-spoke model.

Speaking at Routes Americas 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas, Chernoff explained that LHR’s limited infrastructure—currently operating with just two runways and lacking the ability to conduct dual operations for simultaneous arrivals and departures—has long hindered BA’s capacity to optimize connectivity. “A third runway could ultimately reshape how we design our network,” he said, highlighting that most large airlines rely on a hub-and-spoke system where aircraft arrive in waves, allowing passengers to connect seamlessly. In contrast, BA’s operations at Heathrow run nonstop throughout the day, which complicates efforts to build effective connectivity.

The current operational model at LHR, dictated by a rigid slot portfolio, leaves little room for schedule optimization. “We have to fit our entire schedule into the slot portfolio that we have,” Chernoff noted. With no additional slots available under the existing two-runway system, the airline is forced to maintain a constant cycle of arrivals and departures, rather than creating the advantageous ‘waves’ that facilitate passenger connections. This, according to Chernoff, is a key reason why a third runway could be a game changer for BA.

A third runway would allow BA to rethink its network structure and schedule. Chernoff emphasized that while London is a significant point-to-point market, reducing BA’s reliance on generating connectivity from other European hubs, additional capacity would enable the airline to better structure arrival and departure times. This change would lead to improved connections, an expanded network, and a more competitive offering for travelers. “If we had more capacity, we could better structure our arrivals and departures, allowing us to improve connections and expand our network,” he stated.

The debate over a third runway at LHR has been ongoing for decades, with political challenges, local resistance, and environmental concerns stalling progress. In January, the UK government endorsed plans for the expansion, announcing that proposals from the airport would be sought by the summer. However, significant regulatory changes are required before BA can fully endorse the project. Luis Gallego, CEO of BA’s parent company International Airlines Group, has voiced conditional support, stressing that the regulatory framework must evolve to accommodate such a transformative change.

Chernoff’s insights underscore the potential benefits of additional runway capacity not only for BA but for the entire Heathrow operation. By addressing current constraints, the new runway would enable BA to unlock a more efficient, traditional hub-and-spoke model that could drive increased connectivity and network growth. This strategic move would better position BA to compete with other global carriers and meet rising passenger demand in an increasingly interconnected world.

For those interested in learning more, the full interview with Neil Chernoff can be heard on the latest episode of Aviation Week’s Window Seat podcast, offering deeper insights into BA’s vision for a more connected and streamlined network at one of the world’s busiest airports.

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