London Heathrow chief urges UK government to clear third runway
Thomas Woldbye says that more than 40 airlines are seeking slots at the capacity-constrained airport and could choose rival hubs in other countries if the proposed expansion fails to go ahead.
Heathrow airport is urging the UK Parliament to approve the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), arguing that expanding the London hub will unlock jobs, trade and private investment across the country.
According to the airport, the £33 billion ($43 billion) privately funded expansion project would create over 100,000 jobs and 5,000 apprenticeships, while increasing cargo export capacity by 50%. Heathrow notes that the UK Department for Transport has confirmed that expansion can be delivered within the nation’s net-zero emissions targets by 2050.
However, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) concluded last month in a UK government-commissioned report that there is “no credible pathway” for Heathrow to add a third runway unless the UK enacts new legislation obligating the aviation industry to “clean up its emissions” by 2050 under a “polluter pays” principle.
Heathrow argues that there is support for the third runway from business groups, trade unions, regional airports and an increasing number of politicians. It adds that polling across local boroughs indicates that 68% of residents support the expansion project.
Demand for access to the UK’s primary hub continues to exceed available capacity, with more than 40 airlines seeking slots at the airport. Heathrow warns that with capacity constrained, carriers looking to launch or expand services are being forced to choose rival overseas hubs, taking connectivity and economic growth away from the UK.
Regional airports across the country – including Aberdeen, Belfast City, Newquay, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle and Teesside – are backing the expansion to strengthen domestic connections to global markets, says Heathrow.
Highlighting the necessity for additional capacity ahead of a hearing on the HENPS with the Transport Select Committee later this week, Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says: “The debate about whether the UK needs additional hub airport capacity has been settled. Businesses, trade unions, regional airports, airlines and politicians agree that better global connections are critical if the UK is to compete, trade and grow.
“Expansion would unlock more than 100,000 jobs, inject £33 billion of private investment, strengthen British supply chains and increase export capacity for companies across the country. It would open the door to new airlines, new destinations and greater choice for consumers.
“This is not simply an investment in an airport. It is an investment in the UK’s future competitiveness. At a time when other international hubs continue to grow and attract new routes, this country has an opportunity to strengthen its global connections and unlock growth in every nation and region.
“There is now a clear path forward. The private investment is available, the benefits are well understood and the government has confirmed expansion can be delivered within net-zero targets. After decades of discussion, Parliament now has the opportunity to unlock a project that can deliver lasting benefits for generations to come. We are ready to deliver it.”
The call for expansion comes as Heathrow recorded nearly 7.2 million passengers in September, representing a 2.3% decline compared with the same month in 2025. Heathrow says this figure reflects sustained demand despite geopolitical headwinds in the Middle East.
Passenger traffic to and from the Middle East fell by a fifth last month. The only regions which saw a year-on-year increase were Asia-Pacific and non-EU Europe. Transfer traffic accounted for almost 1.4 million passengers during the month, while cargo volumes rose 5.4% year-on-year to 131,326t.
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