Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given her official backing to plans for a third runway at Heathrow, arguing that the expansion could create more than 100,000 jobs and significantly boost the nation’s economic output.
“A third runway is badly needed,” she said, pointing to projections suggesting a 0.43% rise in potential GDP by 2050 if the airport is expanded.
Reeves emphasised Heathrow’s central role in the UK’s global connectivity, noting that the airport facilitates three-quarters of all British long-haul flights, handles over 60% of UK air freight, and served around 15 million business travellers in 2023 alone. “Heathrow is at the heart of the UK’s openness as a country,” she said. “It connects us to emerging markets all over the world, opening up new opportunities for growth. Yet for decades its growth has been constrained. Successive studies have shown that this really matters for our economy.”
Addressing environmental and community concerns, Reeves said Heathrow’s operators are committed to meeting stringent requirements on noise, air quality and carbon emissions, and she highlighted ongoing efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector. “We are already making great strides in transitioning to cleaner and greener aviation,” she added. The chancellor’s endorsement underscores the government’s view that airport expansion is critical to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge while meeting future travel demand.
Reacting to announcement, Heathrow 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.
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