London’s Heathrow Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic and the busiest in Europe by a long shot. It is also frequently the subject of capacity constraints and high-profile disruptions due to weather and other factors. For an airport operating at 99% of capacity, the prospect of a third runway for Heathrow, planned for 2035, would be a welcome change for both airlines and passengers alike. But now, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham seems to be raining on the parade.
Burnham, in an interview with the BBC at the Labour Party’s annual conference, did not give his backing to the third runway.
“I think, principally, it’s a matter for London. I think you’ve got to hear the voice of people there first. It’s not right for me to just jump straight in on the back of the consultation,” Burnham said.
“With a third runway, we can truly deliver as the UK’s front door for investors. Serve the country as a source of national pride and economic strength. And deliver more as the UK’s global gateway to growth and a symbol of national renewal across the country,” said Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow CEO, in a Summer 2025 report.
Heathrow’s expansion plans include 49 billion pounds of private money, including 21 billion pounds for the third runway. The runway is expected to be up to 3,500 meters in length, located to the northwest of the airport, and able to accommodate planes of all sizes. The new runway would deliver up to 276,000 additional flights per year, increasing Heathrow’s capacity to 756,000 flights per year.
On Saturday, the airport said that now, the third runway may not open until 2039, and 2035 had been an “ambitious target.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
