Overview
- Heathrow published passenger figures on Monday showing September traffic fell 2.3% to about 7.2 million people, driven by a 20.1% drop in travel to and from the Middle East.
- The airport says demand outstrips supply with more than 40 airlines actively seeking slots, a shortfall it argues would be solved by a third runway.
- Chief executive Thomas Woldbye told investors and the press that major backers may reassess their support early next year if Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not give a clear commitment.
- Heathrow is pitching a fully privately financed plan estimated at £33 billion, aims for planning permission by 2029, and says building could follow within roughly a decade of consent.
- The scheme promises jobs, training and wider economic benefits but faces active parliamentary review, local infrastructure work such as rerouting the M25, and environmental and legal scrutiny that could delay decisions.