London Heathrow Airport CEO announces record investment plans, including third runway and major upgrades

Caption: CEO Thomas Woldbye. Credit: London Heathrow Airport

In a major address delivered at British Steel Scunthorpe, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) CEO Thomas Woldbye responded to the Government’s strong support for expansion at LHR, including a third runway. Woldbye announced the largest private investment programme in Heathrow’s history and confirmed that the airport is developing proposals for a third runway to share with the Government by summer.

Woldbye said: “This privately funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor’s call to get Britain building.”

He added: “A third runway is critical for the country’s future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to Government this summer. Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the Government’s clear backing, I am today confirming multi-billion-pound investment plans, 100% privately funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability. This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country’s crown – the UK’s Gateway to Growth.”

What will be in Heathrow’s investment programme

Full details of the investment programme, phasing, and the pathway to a third runway will be part of LHR’s initial proposals submitted to the Government this summer. However, plans confirmed today will include new investment in:

• Terminal infrastructure: LHR will work with airlines and the regulator to finalise plans to invest in the capacity of Terminal 2 and make changes to optimise and increase passenger capacity in Terminal 5.   

• Improving customer experience and punctuality: Reconfigure and improve the layout of the airfield, increasing the number of aircraft stands, to improve resilience and punctuality.   

• Local transport connections and sustainable travel: The investment programme includes plans to further improve bus and coach connections to encourage sustainable and active travel options and benefit our local communities.  

• Sustainability: New infrastructure will have improved environmental credentials and will use more sustainable sources of power, supporting the ambitious targets set out in Heathrow’s Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategy.

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