London Heathrow Airport submits £21bn third runway plan to boost UK growth and connectivity

London Heathrow Airport has submitted a £21 billion, shovel-ready proposal to build a third runway within the next decade. The plan, fully privately funded, promises to unlock 30 new destinations, accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually, and boost UK GDP by 0.43%, with 60% of benefits outside London and the South East.

Key features include:

• A 3,500m northwest runway, new Terminal 5X, and expanded Terminal 2
• Three new satellite terminals and modernised infrastructure (total £49bn investment over decades)
• Enhanced public transport links and carbon reduction measures aligned with Heathrow’s 2050 net-zero target

The expansion could create tens of thousands of jobs and significantly increase UK trade and cargo capacity. It is backed by major business groups, unions, regional airports, and airlines like easyJet. A government response is needed by September to stay on track for a 2029 planning approval.

CEO Thomas Woldbye urged swift action, warning Heathrow is at capacity and that delay threatens the UK’s status as a global aviation hub.