British Airways CEO Sean Doyle has said that Heathrow Airport's long-awaited expansion should go ahead without moving the M25, backing a proposal for a shorter runway that would avoid major motorway disruption.

The comments, reported by the BBC, come as the government prepares to decide which of two competing bids will be chosen for Heathrow's third runway, a decision expected by the end of the month.

Two expansion plans are currently being considered:

• Heathrow Airport's own £49bn proposal, which includes a new 3,500m runway and major infrastructure works such as a new M25 tunnel and widening of the motorway between junctions 14 and 15.
• A rival £25bn plan from the Arora Group, led by hotel tycoon Surinder Arora, which proposes a shorter 2,800m runway and would not require diverting the M25.

Speaking at the Airlines 2025 conference in Westminster, Mr Doyle said: "If you can avoid moving the M25, you should avoid moving the M25.

"I can't argue against the logic of that. I think we should look at ways of potentially building a shorter runway."

The Arora Group's proposal would come at a lower cost but would require additional airport infrastructure, while Heathrow's own plan involves a complex operation to build new tunnels and bridges west of the existing motorway, switching traffic during overnight closures.

Both applicants have been asked by the government to provide more details on the impact for investors, local communities, and businesses before a final decision is made.

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