I know LHR is running at around 99% capacity or there-abouts, but is it still possible for new airlines, that aren’t affiliated to any alliances, to obtain slots? Or can this only happen if an airline (for some reason) withdraws some slots. Reason I ask, is that over the past few years, several Asian/Indian/Middle East carriers have started serving LHR and how did they manage to do so?

I’m very much for a 3rd runway and further expansion at LHR, so that we (Britain) can remain to be a key player in global transport and logistics.