Heathrow and Gatwick airports confirm they have RAAC

Heathrow and Gatwick airports have confirmed they have locations containing the collapse-prone concrete RAAC.

Thousands of pupils in England have faced disruption at the start of term this week after RAAC was identified at more than 100 schools.

A number of other public buildings have also been identified as having the concrete, such as courts, hospitals and theatres.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Industry has been aware and acting on the remedial steps that should be taken in buildings that contain this material.

“We, like many others, have been assessing our estate and will continue to mitigate the risk where this material is found.

“Passenger and colleague safety will always be our first priority, and we will continue to update stakeholders across the sector as our plans for permanent solutions progress.”

The concrete was discovered in Terminal 3 of the airport, and mitigations are already in place, ahead of a more permanent solution being made.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “We have a register of locations containing RAAC on the airport campus, which are closely monitored through a regular comprehensive structural inspection regime.

“Our most recent inspection in June 2023 did not present any concerns, and we will continue to monitor on a regular basis.”

RAAC has caused political headaches for the government, with Education Secretary Gillian Keegan accused of opening “Pandora’s Box” by setting standards for schools that other sectors are being forced to follow.