Heathrow boss: Third runway a 'huge missed opportunity' for UK
Airport chief warns investment will go elsewhere if expansion plans are not approved.
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Thomas Woldbye, the chief executive of Heathrow Airport, has publicly stated that the UK would face a "huge missed opportunity" if plans for a third runway are not realised. He expressed a desire for clarity from the government on its position regarding the expansion project. Woldbye indicated that if Heathrow's owners are unable to invest in the new runway, the capital would be allocated to projects outside the UK, suggesting a decision was anticipated in the new year.
The Department for Transport confirmed it is reviewing consultation responses and considering the next steps for airport expansion. A spokesperson for the department noted that the government supports airport growth nationwide where it can foster economic development and opportunity, provided environmental considerations are met. The department also stated that expanding Heathrow could potentially generate approximately £40 billion in economic benefits across the country.
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Project Costs and Capacity
The construction of a third runway at Heathrow is estimated to cost £33 billion. If completed, it would significantly increase the airport's capacity, raising the number of flights from the current cap of 480,000 per year to 720,000. This would equate to an average of nearly 2,000 flights daily. The expansion would necessitate the demolition of hundreds of homes, the diversion of rivers, and the rerouting of a section of the M25 motorway through a tunnel.
The timeline for the new runway has seen adjustments. Initially scheduled to be operational by 2035, subject to planning and approval processes, Heathrow has since indicated a potential delay of four years, pushing the opening to 2039. This delay is attributed to ongoing planning and regulatory challenges.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed doubts, prioritising regional investment over airport expansion.
Political and Economic Considerations
The political backing for a third runway remains a subject of discussion. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has stated that the decision rests with London and its residents, indicating he would not preemptively support the scheme. Woldbye, however, emphasised that the benefits of expansion would extend beyond London, reaching across the UK through its supply chains. He also addressed concerns about noise pollution, claiming a significant reduction in noise levels over the past four decades and predicting continued improvement. Woldbye highlighted that prolonged uncertainty surrounding the project is a primary concern for stakeholders.
Woldbye plans to communicate the airport's economic contributions and current capacity limitations to the Chancellor, John Healey. He stressed that Heathrow is operating at full capacity, which hinders its ability to further contribute to economic growth. He urged a swift decision to enable the airport to move forward and continue its development.
The Department for Transport is in the process of finalising its Airports National Policy Statement, which will guide decisions on new runway approvals. This statement, last updated in 2018, is crucial for the planning application Heathrow intends to submit within the next two years.
Questions this report answers
+What is the estimated cost of building a third runway at Heathrow?
The construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport is estimated to cost £33 billion. This figure covers the significant infrastructure changes required, including demolishing homes and rerouting the M25 motorway.
+How would a third runway increase Heathrow's flight capacity?
A third runway would allow Heathrow Airport to increase the number of flights from its current limit of 480,000 per year to 720,000. This represents a potential increase of nearly 2,000 flights per day on average.
+What economic benefits does the government expect from Heathrow expansion?
The Department for Transport has stated that expanding Heathrow has the potential to deliver approximately £40 billion in economic benefits across the country. These benefits are expected to arise from increased connectivity and economic activity.
+When was the third runway originally planned to open, and what is the current projected date?
The third runway at Heathrow was originally scheduled to open by 2035. However, due to planning and regulatory issues, Heathrow has suggested a potential delay to 2039.
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