Heathrow says third runway expansion could restore UK regional air links

Expansion at Heathrow Airport could lead to the creation or restoration of direct air links to five UK regional airports, according to new research published by the airport as it continues to press the case for a third runway.

image: Heathrow Airport

The analysis, commissioned by Heathrow from consultancy Frontier Economics, identified Belfast International Airport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Leeds Bradford Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Teesside International Airport as the strongest candidates for new domestic services to Heathrow if additional runway capacity is built.

Heathrow said the additional routes could generate an estimated £335m in extra tourism spending across the UK, adding to the £1.2bn in annual tourism expenditure it says is already supported by existing domestic connections through the airport.

The airport argued that expansion would strengthen domestic connectivity by making more landing slots available for regional services, which have declined over recent decades as airlines prioritised more profitable long-haul operations at the capacity-constrained hub. Heathrow currently operates with two runways and is one of the world’s busiest international airports.

Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow, said, “Domestic connectivity has always been central to Heathrow’s role as the UK’s only hub airport. For many communities, these links are not a luxury, they are a lifeline, connecting people and businesses to opportunities across the UK and around the world. With additional capacity, we can strengthen these vital connections and ensure every part of the country can benefit from Heathrow’s global network.”

Karen Dee, Chief Executive, Airports UK, said, “This report demonstrates that connecting our regional economies through enhanced direct links between our airports will bring more jobs, wealth, and prosperity. Additional airport connectivity opens up a whole range of possibilities, from new markets to buy and sell goods and services and more attractive investment environments, to easier access for tourists and a better ability to keep friends and family connected. This important research illustrates the value of connecting all parts of the UK through our airports and we encourage the government to move quickly to deliver the benefits that new capacity will bring to the UK economy.”

Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said, "Strong domestic connectivity is vital to growing tourism in the UK, and Heathrow and its connections to regional airports play a critical role in this. By making it easier for visitors to reach every corner of the country - from coastal destinations to historic cities and rural areas - our airports create jobs, serve communities and link local economies to international opportunities. This government has set an ambitious target of welcoming 50 million visitors a year by 2030, and we are developing a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy to provide a clear, long-term plan to unlock investment, support businesses and increase visitor flows across England."

Heathrow aims to deliver a third runway within the next decade, although rival proposals have also emerged, notably a phased expansion put forward by the Arora Group that would initially avoid rerouting part of the M25 motorway.

Heathrow says its proposals would be privately financed and accompanied by investments in newer aircraft technology, sustainable aviation fuel and surface transport improvements intended to reduce environmental impacts. The airport has also linked the project to broader plans to modernise terminals, baggage systems and passenger infrastructure.