Heathrow Airport is set to submit its long-anticipated third runway proposal to the government this summer, reaffirming its commitment to using UK steel and driving economic growth.
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s chief executive, will formally present the expansion plans in a speech at the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe on Wednesday. His announcement follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent endorsement of airport expansion as a means to boost the economy, including support for the long-debated Heathrow runway project.
If approved, the additional runway would increase Heathrow’s capacity by approximately 240,000 flights annually, raising concerns over carbon emissions, noise, and pollution in the London area.
Overcoming opposition and regulatory hurdles
Heathrow’s forthcoming “pathway to a runway” plan aims to address opposition from affected communities, skeptical airlines, and environmental groups. While the Labour government has shown strong backing for expansion, Heathrow is seeking further policy assurances before finalizing its submission.
Key factors include confirmation that airspace modernization and new flight paths will be implemented, as well as regulatory support from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to establish airport charges that will help finance the project. Heathrow is also pushing for planning reforms to prevent legal challenges that have previously delayed its runway expansion efforts.
Multibillion-pound investment for infrastructure
In his speech, Woldbye is expected to emphasize the economic importance of the expansion, stating:
“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 multibillion-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.”
A study by Frontier Economics, commissioned by Heathrow and cited by Chancellor Reeves, estimates that over 60% of the economic benefits from the expansion would be realized outside southeast England.
To support UK industry, Heathrow is also pledging to maximize the use of domestically produced steel. Woldbye is expected to sign a charter in Scunthorpe committing to sourcing several hundred thousand tons of steel from UK suppliers for the runway’s construction.
Industry support and environmental concerns
Gareth Stace, director-general of the trade body UK Steel, praised Heathrow’s commitment, calling it “a vital commitment to strengthening Britain’s industrial backbone.” He added:
“Backing UK steel means backing UK jobs, innovation, and long-term industrial growth, ensuring the benefits of Heathrow’s expansion are felt nationwide.”
Despite assurances from Heathrow that the expansion will be managed “responsibly” with “strict environmental safeguards,” green groups remain unconvinced.
Woldbye addressed these concerns, stating:
“This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality, and carbon that the government sets out in the airports national policy statement – it’s as simple as that.
I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.”
Passenger growth and airline opposition
Passenger traffic at Heathrow continues to rise, with January figures surpassing 6.3 million—5% higher than the previous year—driven largely by a surge in transatlantic travel.
However, airlines have expressed concerns over the potential cost implications of the expansion. A coalition that includes British Airways and Virgin Atlantic has criticized Heathrow’s pricing, arguing that passengers are already paying £1.1bn more annually compared to other major European airports. They warn that further expansion could make Heathrow even more expensive.
As Heathrow prepares to formally submit its expansion plans, the debate over economic benefits versus environmental and cost concerns is set to intensify in the coming months. Photo by Ed Webster, Wikimedia commons.