EGLL London Heathrow runways and takeoff data

Runways at EGLL

The main direction is a set of two parallel runways (09L/27R and 09R/27L) on 090/270° true, so every runway points the same way and a strong crosswind affects all of them alike.

Lengths run from 3,658 m on 09R/27L to 3,901 m on 09L/27R, a difference of 243 m.

Displaced thresholds: 09L 307 m, 09R 309 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

At these conditions the A320 takes off with CONF 1+F and an assumed temperature of 61 °C from each runway end in the table, V2 161 kt.

At 83 ft above sea level the air is as dense as it gets, and the elevation costs nothing: the A320 example on 09L matches the same runway at sea level (CONF 1+F, 61 °C).

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from each runway end. Runway length does not limit a full A320 here on a standard day; heat, a tailwind or a wet runway would change that.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

The 737-800 assumed temperature is at its FCOM maximum (marked max) from each runway end in the table, so at 72 t the runway is not what limits it.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Flying EGLL on VATSIM

VATSIM UK publishes a pilot briefing for London Heathrow with local procedures. Read it before you file: VATSIM UK EGLL briefing. In SkyNexus the division notes show up next to your departure briefing, with the live VATSIM and IVAO controllers along your route.

Nearby airports

• EGKK London Gatwick22 NM
• EGSS London Stansted36 NM
• EGCC Manchester131 NM
• EHRD Rotterdam The Hague184 NM

All airports

EGLL questions

How long is the longest runway at EGLL?

Runway 09L/27R at London Heathrow is 3,901 m (12,799 ft) long and 50 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.

What is the elevation of London Heathrow?

London Heathrow Airport sits at 83 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at EGLL?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at EGLL limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from each runway end. Runway length does not limit a full A320 here on a standard day; heat, a tailwind or a wet runway would change that.

Is there a VATSIM pilot briefing for EGLL?

Yes. VATSIM UK publishes a pilot briefing for London Heathrow with local procedures. SkyNexus links to it and shows the division notes next to your departure and arrival briefing.