UK Government Supports Heathrow Airport Expansion for Third Runway Construction

Rachel Reeves, the UK’s chancellor of the exchequer, expressed support for the expansion of London Heathrow Airport, stating it would stimulate economic growth.

Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye welcomed the expansion, noting, “Jobs will be created, and trade, tourism, and inward investment will be promoted across the country.” The private investment is estimated to be in the billions of pounds.

The expansion plan, updated in August 2021, proposes constructing a new runway parallel to the northwest of the current northern runway, 1,035 meters apart. It involves demolishing Terminal 5’s west side and Terminal 3 but building a new terminal between the runways. The number of takeoffs and landings will increase from 480,000 to 720,000 annually with a capacity to handle 140 million passengers per year.

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), welcomed the added capacity, stating, “The UK’s global status will benefit both economically and socially.” However, he cautioned against Heathrow Airport’s declining status due to cost issues, stating, “Heathrow Airport’s fees remain among the highest worldwide, and it is essential to lower and not increase them further to enhance the UK’s competitiveness.”