Heathrow Airport's CEO Thomas Woldbye stated that not building a third runway would be a "huge missed opportunity" for the UK. In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he expressed the need for clarity on the government's stance regarding the expansion after Prime Minister Andy Burnham refrained from endorsing the project. Woldbye indicated that if investment in the third runway does not proceed, the funds would be allocated elsewhere globally, with a decision expected in the new year.
The Department for Transport is currently reviewing responses to a consultation and is considering the next steps. A spokesperson mentioned that the government supports airport expansion nationwide, provided it contributes to growth and meets environmental standards. They noted that expanding Heathrow could generate approximately £40 billion in economic benefits across the UK.
The proposal for a third runway at Heathrow has been a topic of debate for decades, facing opposition from local residents, politicians, and climate advocates. Last year, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves supported the expansion, stating that a third runway is necessary and that the government must make a decision.
Heathrow is owned by a consortium of investors, including French private equity firm Ardian, the Qatar Investment Authority, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and the China Investment Corporation. Woldbye emphasized that if investment in Heathrow does not occur, it would not benefit the UK economy, labeling it a significant missed opportunity.
The construction of a third runway would require demolishing hundreds of homes, rerouting rivers, and altering the M25 motorway, with an estimated cost of £33 billion. Currently, Heathrow serves over 80 million travelers annually with its four passenger terminals and two runways, and the number of flights could increase from 480,000 to 720,000 per year if the third runway is built.
The new runway was initially scheduled to open by 2035, but Heathrow has indicated potential delays to 2039 due to planning and regulatory challenges. Burnham, who previously opposed the scheme as Mayor of Greater Manchester, stated that the decision should reflect the views of London residents. Woldbye expressed hope that the Prime Minister would support the project, highlighting its backing by unions.
He also addressed concerns regarding noise impact on nearby communities, claiming that noise levels at Heathrow have significantly decreased over the past 40 years and that this trend would continue. Woldbye expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the project and emphasized the need for a decisive direction to allow stakeholders to move forward.
He noted that he has not yet met with the current Chancellor John Healey but intends to discuss Heathrow's economic contributions and the necessity of expanding capacity. The Department for Transport is finalizing its Airports National Policy Statement, which will guide decisions on granting a new runway at Heathrow, last updated in 2018. Woldbye mentioned that Heathrow is preparing a planning application to be submitted in the next couple of years, contingent on the government's national policy statement.