Heathrow and Gatwick airports affected
The issue of crumbling concrete, which has led to the closure of schools across the country, has now been discovered at major UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick.
Airport bosses were aware of the problem
According to airport officials, they were aware of the presence of the deteriorating Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) before the recent crisis involving Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
RAAC found at Heathrow Airport
Last year, RAAC was initially found at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3. Since then, temporary safety measures have been put in place as airport authorities explore permanent solutions.
Heathrow and Gatwick airports take action
A spokesperson for Heathrow airport stated that the industry has been aware of the need for remedial steps in buildings with RAAC and emphasized that passenger and colleague safety remains their top priority. Stakeholders will be updated as plans for permanent solutions progress.
Gatwick Airport recently inspected the presence of RAAC in its buildings in June and stated that structural engineers have no concerns at this time. The airport has a register of locations containing RAAC and regularly monitors them through thorough structural inspections.
Manchester Airport under inspection
Manchester Airport is currently being inspected for crumbling concrete, although the likelihood of its presence is believed to be "very low".
Fears raised about social housing stock
Town hall officials have been instructed to assess their social housing stock swiftly, following concerns that some buildings may contain the hazardous concrete. The Regulator of Social Housing has warned local authorities that buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s, with flat roofs and panel structures, are most likely at risk.
