Heathrow expansion could unlock 100,000 jobs and £33bn investment as parliamentary support grows

Image credit: Heathrow Airport

Heathrow is calling on Parliament to progress its expansion plans, which it says could create more than 100,000 jobs, attract £33 billion in private investment and increase the UK’s export capacity by 50%.

The airport welcomed almost 7.2 million passengers in September, including nearly 1.4 million transfer passengers, with 96% of departing passengers rating their experience as good or excellent. Cargo traffic also increased by 5% year-on-year.

Demand for Heathrow capacity continues to outstrip supply, with more than 40 airlines seeking access to the airport. Heathrow says the lack of available slots is forcing carriers looking to introduce or expand services to consider competing overseas hubs, potentially limiting connectivity and economic opportunities for the UK.

Expansion would provide capacity for additional airlines and routes, increasing competition and passenger choice while strengthening links between UK regions and international markets. Airports including Aberdeen, Belfast City, Cornwall Newquay, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and Teesside have backed the plans.

The proposals are also supported by trade unions, business organisations, investors and politicians. Unions including GMB, Unite and the TUC point to the potential for more than 100,000 jobs and 5,000 apprenticeships, alongside opportunities for UK suppliers. The Government estimates that expansion would require around 400,000 tonnes of steel, equivalent to approximately one-sixth of the UK’s annual production.

Heathrow’s expansion plans are currently being considered through the parliamentary review of the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS). Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has confirmed that expansion can be compatible with the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

A survey of more than 9,000 residents across nine boroughs in London, Surrey and Berkshire found that 68% supported a third runway, with employment and economic benefits among the main reasons cited. Heathrow says its privately financed £33 billion plans have been developed following years of consultation and engagement with local communities.

The airport also expects expansion to increase cargo capacity by 50%, strengthening its position as the UK’s largest port by value and providing additional capacity for British exporters.

Ahead of his appearance at the Transport Select Committee’s hearing on the HENPS, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said expansion would strengthen the UK’s international connectivity, support domestic supply chains and improve its ability to compete in global markets.

He added that private investment was available and that the Government had confirmed the project could be delivered within net zero commitments, giving Parliament an opportunity to progress a project Heathrow says would deliver long-term economic benefits across the UK.