Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says ‘it would be good to know where Government is on this’
The chief executive of Heathrow has expressed his frustration regarding the uncertainty surrounding the airport’s expansion plans, particularly after Andy Burnham refrained from endorsing the project, reports BritPanorama.
Woldbye articulated his desire for the Prime Minister’s support, noting, “it would be good to know where Government is on this”. He cautioned that without a clear commitment to a new runway, investment might shift overseas.
Prior to Burnham’s tenure as Prime Minister, his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer and then-chancellor Rachel Reeves had both shown their support for a third runway at the UK’s busiest airport. However, Burnham has not yet confirmed his backing, indicating the situation remains contingent on consultation and the planning process.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Woldbye stated that “the most important thing here is what this project delivers for the UK,” expressing hope that the Prime Minister would take notice. He underscored the project as a potential driver of significant economic benefits and job opportunities, including apprenticeships, which align with the current Government’s priorities.
Describing the ongoing deliberative process, Woldbye remarked, “When we get to the end of those processes, which will be sometimes towards the end of the year, it would be good to know where Government is on this.” He warned that the planned £33 billion investment risked being diverted to international projects without increased certainty, stating, “Our private investors, if they cannot invest in Heathrow which they own, they don’t own any other airports in the UK, and there is no project like a Heathrow expansion, then that money will be invested somewhere else in the world.”
Heathrow is looking to submit a formal planning application “in the next couple of years”, he added, emphasizing, “Right now the discussion with by far most of the people I speak to is not so much about if we’re going to do this, but more how we’re going to do it and get all the factors right.” He concluded with a hopeful note, stating, “I hope we can stay on that path because I think it is really, really important for the UK to get this project built.”
This situation encapsulates a pivotal moment for Heathrow and UK infrastructure, as uncertainty surrounding governmental support could substantially impact investment decisions. The stakes are high, and the implications of the expansion extend beyond aviation, touching on broader economic growth and international competitiveness.
