Heathrow plans terminal expansions ahead of third runway proposal
Heathrow Airport is set to announce a major investment plan aimed at expanding two of its terminals as part of a long-term strategy to increase capacity and modernize its infrastructure. The announcement comes as the airport prepares to submit formal proposals for a third runway to the government later this summer.
On Wednesday, Heathrow’s Chief Executive, Thomas Woldbye is set to reveal details of the privately funded expansion, which includes significant upgrades to terminals two and five, reconfiguration of the airfield, and improved public transport links. The initiative follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent endorsement of a third runway at the UK’s largest airport, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth and create jobs.
As part of the investment plan, Woldbye will also sign an agreement committing to the use of UK-manufactured steel, supplied by British Steel, for new infrastructure projects at the airport. The decision is seen as a significant boost for the domestic steel industry, which has faced challenges due to global trade tensions, including US tariffs on imported metal. British Steel’s chief executive, Zengwei An, praised the partnership, highlighting the company’s long-standing history of contributing to large-scale projects such as Heathrow’s previous expansions.
The push for a third runway has been a highly debated issue for years, facing opposition from environmental groups, local communities, and some politicians. Concerns over noise pollution, air quality, and carbon emissions have fueled resistance, with legal challenges expected during the formal planning process. Despite this, the chancellor has stressed that expansion at Heathrow is “badly needed” and could generate up to 100,000 new jobs.
Heathrow, which handled a record 83.9 million passengers last year, currently operates under a flight cap of 480,000 movements per year. The airport’s infrastructure is nearing full capacity, with its two runways accommodating approximately 1,300 take-offs and landings daily. A third runway could increase the number of permitted flights to 720,000 annually, allowing for greater connectivity and supporting increased trade, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
While the detailed plans for the third runway have yet to be finalized, past infrastructure projects at Heathrow have demonstrated the scale of construction required. Terminal five, which opened in 2008, required around 80,000 tonnes of steel. The upcoming expansion of terminal buildings aims to enhance passenger experience, improve sustainability, and strengthen the airport’s resilience.
During his speech, Woldbye will emphasize Heathrow’s commitment to meeting strict environmental standards, stating that the expansion will only proceed if it complies with regulations on noise, air quality, and carbon emissions. He will also highlight the importance of engaging with local communities to provide them with clarity and address their concerns.
The formal planning process for the third runway is expected to take between 18 months and two years, with potential judicial reviews further extending the timeline. Construction itself could take around seven years, making it unlikely that the new runway will be operational before 2035. As Heathrow continues to play a crucial role in the UK economy, handling £200 billion worth of trade annually, the planned expansions aim to secure its position as a global aviation hub while addressing the challenges posed by growing passenger numbers and trade demands.