Key facts
- Downing Street has privately reassured the aviation sector of its support for Heathrow Airport expansion.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an "open mind" on the Heathrow expansion project.
- The Heathrow Airport third runway project has been officially delayed by four years, pushing its expected operational date from 2035 to 2039.
- Heathrow Airport Ltd aims to secure planning permission by 2029.
- The Department for Transport estimates an expanded Heathrow could create over 60,000 local jobs and enhance UK-wide transport connections.
Downing Street has been privately reassuring members of the aviation sector of its support for Heathrow Airport expansion, following remarks by Prime Minister Andy Burnham that suggested a less committed stance. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that Burnham has an "open mind" about the project, emphasizing potential economic benefits and global connectivity.
The Heathrow Airport third runway project has been officially delayed by four years, pushing its expected operational date from 2035 to 2039. Airport bosses and the Department for Transport conceded that the previous timeline was overambitious without significant policy and regulatory restructuring. Despite this setback, developer Heathrow Airport Ltd still plans to secure planning permission by 2029.
Ms Alexander highlighted the potential economic benefits of expanding the airport, noting that it affects the whole country and provides crucial international connectivity. She mentioned that businesses in China and Japan have expressed interest in more direct flights into Heathrow, and that the expansion could facilitate tourism and trade, including exports like Scottish salmon.
The government's draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement outlines the project's aims to increase international connectivity, support trade, and create jobs. The Department for Transport previously stated that an expanded Heathrow could support more than 60,000 new local jobs and improve passenger and freight connections across the UK. However, the expansion remains subject to planning processes and environmental considerations.