Heathrow unveils £49 Billion expansion plan, includes third runway

London: Heathrow Airport has revealed a £49 billion (\$65 billion) proposal aimed at significantly expanding the UK’s busiest aviation hub, with a central focus on constructing a long-debated third runway. The UK government had approved the project earlier this year following prolonged legal and political disputes.

The planned 3,500-meter runway, costing £21 billion, is expected to be operational within the next ten years. The remaining funds—sourced privately—will go toward upgrading terminals, enhancing infrastructure, and modernizing facilities across the airport. As part of the broader expansion, £12 billion is allocated for a new terminal, and £15 billion for various improvements.

Currently accommodating around 84 million passengers annually, Heathrow intends to nearly double that number to as much as 150 million, adding at least 30 new daily routes and improving domestic connectivity and scheduling.

“It’s more critical than ever to expand Heathrow,” said CEO Thomas Woldbye, noting the airport is stretched to capacity, limiting trade and global connectivity.

The proposal aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s broader push to kickstart the UK economy through major infrastructure projects. The government is also considering additional airport developments, including expansion plans for Gatwick expected in October, following recent approvals for upgrades at Stansted, Luton, and City airports.

Heathrow’s latest proposal follows a separate £10 billion investment plan over the next five years, intended to enhance passenger experience—primarily funded by increased airline charges.