Heathrow CEO Eyes 2025 Decision on Long-Contested Third Runway
Heathrow Airport’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, announced plans to press the U.K. government for a definitive decision on the controversial third runway by the end of 2025. Speaking at the Airlines 2024 conference, Woldbye emphasized the need for expanded capacity to support economic growth but acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with the government.
“Heathrow is running out of capacity,” Woldbye stated. He argued that surpassing the airport’s limit of 90 million passengers annually requires additional infrastructure. “The demand is there,” he said, describing the third runway as essential for meeting future transportation needs.
Woldbye highlighted ongoing discussions with the Labour-led government as having “positive momentum” and expressed hope for a resolution to avoid wasting time and resources. He noted that if the project were approved without public funding, Heathrow would present a costed proposal to shareholders, which he believes would secure support.
The runway’s approval process has spanned nearly two decades, marred by legal challenges, environmental concerns, and public opposition. Environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, argue the expansion would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions, disrupt local ecosystems, and increase noise and traffic pollution.
The project has also faced logistical hurdles, including the potential need for significant changes to the M25 motorway surrounding London. In 2020, the U.K.’s Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had blocked the project, finding it incompatible with the nation’s Paris Agreement commitments.
Supporters of the expansion, including airlines, argue it is critical for boosting capacity and alleviating competition for coveted flight slots at Europe’s busiest airport. Heathrow’s passenger numbers reached 79 million in 2023, nearing its pre-pandemic record of 80.9 million in 2019.
The proposed expansion, initially outlined six years ago, includes a third runway to the northwest of the existing two and a replacement terminal for Terminal 3. The plan would increase Heathrow’s annual flight capacity from 480,000 to 740,000.
U.K. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh expressed conditional support for airport expansion at the conference, emphasizing that it must align with economic growth and environmental commitments.
As Heathrow explores efficiency improvements for its current infrastructure, the decision on the third runway remains a pivotal moment in U.K. aviation and environmental policy.
