UK government backs London Heathrow’s third runway as supporters highlight economic growth and critics raise environmental concerns

The UK Government has announced this morning that they will back plans for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with the proposal to be brought forward by the summer.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Racheal Reeves, stated in a speech today that:

“I can confirm today that this government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.

“We will then take forward a full assessment through the airport National Policy Statement. This will ensure that the project is value for money, and our clear expectation is that any associated surface transport costs will be financed through private funding, and it will ensure that a third runway is delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate objectives.”

What has the response been?

Reacting to the comments made by the Chancellor, Heathrow’s CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

“We welcome the Chancellor’s support for the aviation industry and recognition of the critical role we play for the economy and in delivering growth across the UK.

“Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to growth and prosperity. A third runway and the infrastructure that comes with it would unlock billions of pounds of private money to stimulate the UK supply chain during construction.

“Once built, it would create jobs and drive trade, tourism and inward investment to every part of the country. It would also give airlines and passengers the competitive, resilient hub airport they expect while putting the UK back on the map at the heart of the global economy.

“With strict environmental safeguards, it would demonstrate that by growing our economy responsibly we can ensure our commitments to future generations are delivered.”

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:

“We recognise the vital role that aviation plays in the growth of the UK economy, and the role of the aviation regulator has in enabling that. 

“Expanding the sector will give passengers more choice and build resilience as well as contributing to the UK’s productivity. 

“In doing so, it will be important for the sector to remain safe and grow in a responsible way.  In undertaking this regulatory role, we will work with Government and the aviation sector.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has hit back against today’s announcement, however, stating:

“I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow Airport because of the severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets.”

Khan has stated to BBC News that he will challenge the expansion, even through the courts.

Siân Berry Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, has also reacted negatively stating:

“The Chancellor talked about the ‘costs of irresponsibility’, but expanding airports in the face of a climate emergency is the most irresponsible announcement from any government I have seen since the Liz Truss budget.”

The proposed third runway has been argued that it could generate over 100,000 jobs, and according to a recent study by Frontier Economics, a third runway could increase potential GDP by 0.43% by 2050. Over half, 60% of that boost would go to areas outside of London and the south-east.   

Currently, the number of flights at LHR is capped at 480,000 a year, though with the new runway could go up to 720,000 – or nearly 2,000 a day on average.

LHR stated in an interview with the BBC that it would eventually be able to serve up to 140 million passengers a year once the third runway is in operation.

Unite the union welcomes the Chancellors’ support for LHR’s third runway but warns that lacking a clear industrial strategy could undermine growth and alienate workers.

Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham said:

“A third runway at Heathrow must be about more than just infrastructure – it’s about investing in the workforce and securing the future of good, unionised jobs. With workers facing economic uncertainty, these projects must deliver real opportunities for highly-skilled, well-paid employment that puts money back into working families and local communities.”

AECOM, a leading infrastructure consulting firm, has also stated its support for the UK Government plans, with Colin Wood, Chief Executive of AECOM’s Europe and India region stating:

“The Government’s support for an expanded Heathrow Airport is a welcome move. Expansion is a vital step forward in securing growth and the UK’s ability to maintain its position on the global stage, while also addressing the need for increased capacity that will follow. Alongside development of the ten-year infrastructure strategy, this will provide the infrastructure sector with some certainty around project pipeline and delivery.”