UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport during a speech on Wednesday morning, stating that the project was “badly needed” to “unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected.”
Responding to the statement, Heathrow Airport has welcomed “the Chancellor’s support for the aviation industry” and “recognition of the critical role” the airport plays for the economy and in delivering growth across the UK
“Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to growth and prosperity,” Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye stated. “A third runway and the infrastructure that comes with it would unlock billions of pounds of private money to stimulate the UK supply chain during construction. Once built, it would create jobs and drive trade, tourism and inward investment to every part of the country. It would also give airlines and passengers the competitive, resilient hub airport they expect while putting the UK back on the map at the heart of the global economy. With strict environmental safeguards, it would demonstrate that by growing our economy responsibly we can ensure our commitments to future generations are delivered.
“This is the bold, responsible vision the UK needs to thrive in the 21st century, and I thank the Government and Chancellor for their leadership. It has given us the confidence to confirm our continued support for expanding Heathrow. Successfully delivering the project at pace requires policy change – particularly around necessary airspace modernisation and making the regulatory model fit for purpose. We will now work with the Government on the expected planning reform and support Ministers to deliver the changes which will set us on track to securing planning permission before the end of this Parliament.”
