Heathrow Airport Chief Urges Government Decision on Third Runway

Thomas Woldbye, the boss of Heathrow Airport, has urged Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, to explicitly back the airport's long-proposed third runway. Woldbye stated that Heathrow's investors, which include sovereign wealth funds from Qatar and Singapore, "cannot wait forever" and will reassess their £33 billion plans if the project does not receive government approval.

Burnham has previously voiced concerns about the third runway, arguing that it diverts investment from the North of England to London. Investors are reportedly expected to decide in the new year whether to submit a formal planning application for the expansion. Woldbye told the Financial Times that while investors have been patient, "at some point we need a level of certainty." He indicated that a decision on whether to proceed would likely be made by the end of the year.

Originally, construction was planned to begin by 2029 with partial operation by 2035, according to former chancellor Rachel Reeves. However, delays have pushed the earliest possible opening date to 2039. Heathrow reported a 2.3 percent year-on-year drop in passengers in September to 7.2 million, attributed to a decline in travelers from the Middle East. Despite this, the airport maintains that demand exceeds its current capacity, leading airlines to consider overseas hubs for expansion, which could divert trade and connectivity away from the UK.

New figures indicate that cargo traffic through Heathrow increased by 5 percent year-on-year, supporting the argument that expansion would boost the UK's export capacity by 50 percent. Woldbye will address the Transport Select Committee this week, asserting that "the debate about whether the UK needs additional hub airport capacity has been settled." He highlighted broad support for the project from businesses, trade unions, regional airports, airlines, and politicians, emphasizing the critical need for better global connections to ensure the UK's competitiveness and growth.

"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," Woldbye stated. "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."

MPs are scheduled to scrutinize the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, a policy framework published by the government in June. Approval of this statement is required before any third runway application can advance, with a parliamentary vote anticipated before the end of next month. Heathrow reported that a survey of over 9,000 local residents found 68 percent support the expansion, which the airport claims would create 100,000 jobs.