Proposals to replace a new runway at Heathrow with high speed rail were opposed by organizations in the air travel industry. Proposals to replace a new runway at Heathrow with high speed rail were opposed by organizations in the air travel industry. Air travel related companies railed against the Conservatives’ proposals to scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow and instead build high speed rail links from the capital to other parts of the country. The proposal, which shadow transport secretary Theresa Villier said would “leave a lasting legacy for the future”, failed to take into account advances in the airline industry, claimed an insider.