Overview
- Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye warned investors on Monday that they may reassess the £33 billion third‑runway project if Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not give a clear commitment, saying shareholders want certainty before the end of the year.
- The airport reported a 2.3% year‑on‑year fall in September passengers to about 7.18–7.2 million, driven by a 20.1% drop in Middle East traffic, but said longer‑term demand still outstrips available slots.
- Heathrow says more than 40 airlines are seeking access to slots, which the company argues forces carriers to use competing hubs and risks lost trade and connectivity for the UK.
- Parliament is currently reviewing the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement and Woldbye is due to give evidence to the Transport Select Committee, while no formal planning application can be made until the policy framework is approved.
- Supporters point to about 100,000 jobs and wider economic gains if expansion proceeds and report local polling backing, but political division, environmental concerns and the need for planning consent mean investors face a near‑term decision in the new year with uncertain outcomes for communities and jobs.