Heathrow Airport has urged Parliament to support its proposed expansion, arguing that a third runway could create more than 100,000 jobs and attract £33bn in private investment across the UK.
image: Heathrow Airport
In a statement the airport said trade unions, business groups, regional airports, airlines and investors were backing the project as MPs review the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement. Heathrow said the investment could support jobs and apprenticeships, strengthen UK supply chains and increase international connectivity.
The airport said expansion would increase cargo capacity by 50% and create 5,000 apprenticeships, with work expected to generate demand for UK suppliers, including steel producers. Heathrow also cited a survey of more than 9,000 residents across nine boroughs in London, Surrey and Berkshire, which found 68% supported a third runway.
More than 40 airlines are seeking access to Heathrow, according to the airport, which handled almost 7.2m passengers in September, down 2.3% compared with September 2025, partly reflecting a fall in traffic to the Middle East.
The government has said the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, the framework for future planning decisions, must address economic growth, noise, air quality and climate change, with a final planning decision targeted for 2029. The airport recently indicated that the third runway could open later than originally anticipated, potentially in 2039.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said he hoped the Prime Minister will throw his weight behind the scheme, adding "it would be good to know where Government is on this".
He warned that investment could be lost overseas without a firm commitment to the construction of a new runway.