Heathrow Airport's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that failure to back the third runway could see billions of pounds in investment diverted to Spain or Italy. In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Woldbye said it would be "good to know where Government is on this" and urged the Prime Minister to "come along" with the expansion plans.
Uncertainty over Government support
Mr Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, has declined to confirm his support for the third runway at the UK's busiest airport, saying the scheme is subject to consultation and the planning process. This marks a shift from the previous administration, as both Sir Keir and then-chancellor Rachel Reeves had backed the construction.
Mr Woldbye emphasised the project's importance for the UK, describing it as a "huge economic boost" and highlighting opportunities such as apprenticeships that align with "the priorities that this Government has set out." He noted that the process is "ongoing," with a decision expected "towards the end of the year."
Investment at risk
The Heathrow boss warned that the planned investment in the £33 billion scheme could be lost overseas without a firm commitment. He stated: "Our private investors, if they cannot invest in Heathrow which they own, they don't own any other airports in the UK, and there is no project like a Heathrow expansion, then that money will be invested somewhere else in the world, maybe in a motorway in Spain or a hospital in Italy."
Mr Woldbye also confirmed that Heathrow expects to submit a formal planning application "in the next couple of years." He said that discussions with most stakeholders are now focused on "how we're going to do it and get all the factors right," rather than whether the project will proceed, adding: "I hope we can stay on that path because I think it is really, really important for the UK to get this project built."
Delays and planning timeline
Last month, it was announced that if the third runway goes ahead, its opening would be delayed by four years until 2039, after airport bosses informed the Government that meeting the current 2035 deadline is not possible. However, bosses believe the project could be delivered more quickly if further regulatory red tape is removed beyond the reforms already made to planning law.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: "It's right that ambitious targets were set; the sooner expansion begins, the sooner the whole UK will benefit. Our focus has always been to secure planning permission by 2029. Once achieved, the runway will be open within a decade – and the benefits of expansion can be felt from today. At least 108,000 new jobs and billions invested in supply chains in every part of the country. This is a national project, 100% privately financed, which will support growth today and secure the UK's position in the global economy once the runway opens."
A Department for Transport spokesperson responded: "There is currently no live planning application for a third runway, and we cannot comment on ongoing consultation processes or prejudice them in a way that will only delay progress. The timeline has always been ambitious. We'll continue to work with promoters, including Heathrow, and all other stakeholders at pace to ensure the right framework is in place for which a planning application for a third runway could be considered."
