Heathrow Airport has announced that it will present its proposals for a third runway to the government this summer, emphasizing a commitment to utilizing UK steel and promoting economic development.
Thomas Woldbye, the airport’s chief executive, plans to outline the proposal for the third runway following a substantial upgrade investment in Heathrow’s existing terminals and facilities. This announcement will take place during a speech at the British Steel facility in Scunthorpe on Wednesday.
This revelation arrives just two weeks after Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed her support for expanding airports, including the much-delayed Heathrow runway, as a means to stimulate economic growth.
The addition of a new runway at the UK’s largest airport could lead to an increase of approximately 240,000 flights annually, which would inevitably result in higher carbon emissions along with increased noise and pollution in the London area.
Heathrow intends to reveal its “pathway to a runway” this summer, aiming to address the concerns of communities affected by flight paths, skeptical airlines, and environmental opposition.
While Reeves and the Labour government, which holds a significant majority, have shown solid support, it is anticipated that Heathrow will seek additional assurances and policy measures before submitting comprehensive plans.
This will include the need for validation of modernizing airspace and establishing new flight paths, as well as urging the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to allow Heathrow to adjust charges accordingly to facilitate expansion. The airport is also advocating for promised planning reforms to reduce future legal challenges similar to those that previously delayed its runway projects.
Woldbye is expected to declare: “A third runway is essential for the nation’s future economic prosperity, and I can confirm we will present our plans for a third runway to the government this summer.”
“In preparation, part of a phased expansion program, and with the government’s unequivocal support, I am announcing a private investment of several billion pounds to enhance our terminal facilities, upgrade passenger experiences, and strengthen resilience and sustainability.”
“This investment is crucial to maintain Heathrow’s global competitiveness and position as a key asset for the country—the UK’s gateway to growth.”
A report commissioned by Heathrow from Frontier Economics, referenced by Reeves, estimates that over 60% of the economic growth generated by a new runway would benefit regions outside the southeast of England.
To construct the runway, several hundred thousand tons of steel will be necessary, and Woldbye is set to endorse a charter in Scunthorpe that commits to maximizing the procurement of UK steel for the project.
Gareth Stace, the director-general of UK Steel, described this as “a crucial pledge for bolstering Britain’s industrial foundation,” stating, “Supporting UK steel translates to supporting British jobs, innovation, and sustainable industrial development, ensuring the benefits of Heathrow’s expansion are nationwide.”
Heathrow is asserting that this expansion can be achieved “responsibly,” complete with “robust environmental protections,” a claim that is generally disputed by many environmental organizations.
Woldbye will further assert: “This initiative can only proceed if we adhere to the government’s regulations on noise, air quality, and carbon emissions outlined in the national policy statement for airports—it’s straightforward.”
“I want to reassure everyone that we are devoted to engaging with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they rightfully seek, putting an end to years of uncertainty.”
In January, passenger volumes at Heathrow exceeded 6.3 million, marking a record for that month and a 5% increase compared to January 2024, largely driven by robust transatlantic travel to the United States.
Concurrently, airlines are increasing their calls for the CAA to regulate flight charges at Heathrow. A coalition, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, has claimed that customers are collectively paying an additional £1.1 billion annually compared to the rates at other major European airports—and cautioned that expansion plans may drive costs at Heathrow even higher.
