Met Office Extends Partnership with Heathrow Airport for Enhanced Weather Services

Continuation of a Successful Partnership

The Met Office has successfully renewed its contract with Heathrow Airport, extending a collaborative relationship that has spanned 15 years. This agreement ensures that the UK’s busiest airport will continue to benefit from specialised meteorological services delivered on-site.

Under the terms of the renewed five-year contract, the Met Office will maintain its role in providing dedicated meteorological expertise at Heathrow. This includes the delivery of tailored forecasts and operational weather support, essential for the airport’s preparation and response to various challenging weather conditions. These may include fog, snow, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures.

This new contract integrates commercial forecasting services with the Met Office’s existing regulated aviation weather services, which are provided on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These services play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air transport across the UK aviation sector.

Enhanced Observing and Forecasting Services

As part of this ongoing partnership, the Met Office will continue to deliver meteorological observing services not only at Heathrow but also at surrounding observation sites. This is particularly important for accurate fog and low visibility forecasting, which significantly impacts airport operations.

Additionally, the Met Office’s Aeronautical Visualisation Service (MAVIS) will be utilised in conjunction with operational meteorological support. This enhancement will offer broader access to a variety of regulated aviation forecast tools for all airport team members, facilitating improved operational efficiency.

Alongside day-to-day operational support, the Met Office will leverage its climate data and expertise to inform long-term planning and bolster future resilience considerations at Heathrow.

Insights from Met Office Leadership

Steve Calder, Chief Customer Officer and Director of Government and Industry Relationships at the Met Office, commented on the significance of weather forecasting at an airport like Heathrow. He stated, “Weather is more than a forecast; it is a critical input to operational decision-making. By working closely with Heathrow’s teams, our meteorologists provide the insight necessary to anticipate weather impacts, minimise disruption, and ensure safe, efficient operations.”

Calder added that this agreement reflects a partnership focused on transforming leading weather science into operational confidence, thereby facilitating millions of passenger journeys each month.

Lauren Donohue, Aviation Business Manager at the Met Office, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to continue our work with Heathrow and look forward to supporting the airport to be prepared, whatever the weather brings.”

Commitment to Operational Excellence

Trevor Waldock, Head of Airside Operations at Heathrow, affirmed the vital role the Met Office has played over the past fifteen years in maintaining safe operations at the UK’s only hub airport. He noted, “Their teams are available 365 days a year, providing specialist forecasting that allows our teams to plan confidently and ensures that both passengers and cargo can continue moving.”

The onsite Met Office team is embedded within the Heathrow Airport Operations Centre, offering tailored meteorological advice around the clock. This dedicated group of meteorologists supports key operations managers involved in various aspects of airport activities, including airside, landside, air traffic control, and airline operations.

Overall, the Met Office provides a comprehensive range of services to the aviation sector, assisting airports, airlines, air traffic management organisations, and regulators across the UK. These services are designed to help aviation partners effectively manage weather impacts, enhance operational efficiency, and promote safe air travel.