LONDON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - The chief executive of British
Airways-owner IAG said that the building of a new
runway at Heathrow Airport was "significantly reduced" by a
court ruling on Thursday.
Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, has been trying for
years to expand but a court blocked the new runway plan on
Thursday on environmental grounds.
"I believe the chances of a third runway being built are
significantly reduced as a result of the decision yesterday,"
Walsh told investors on a call.
"In effect, they've got to go back to square one and start
again and even if they do I think the challenge on the
environmental front is still significant."
Walsh has long said Heathrow's plan was too expensive and
opposed any extra costs being levied on airlines to pay for the
expansion.
IAG reported financial results earlier on Friday, warning
that it could not provide an earnings forecast because of the
coronavirus outbreak.
"If we were doing this last Friday, we would have given you
guidance," Walsh told the investors, explaining that at that
time the situation in Asia had stabilised, giving the group some
certainty on outlook.
But the outbreak in Italy over the last week has since
caused "a big change", making forecasting difficult.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Kate Holton)