Heathrow plans £21bn third runway to raise cargo capacity by 50%
Heathrow connects UK exporters to 92% of the world’s economy and handles more than £200 billion in annual trade.
Heathrow Airport has submitted a proposal to the UK government to build a privately financed third runway for £21 billion within a decade, aiming to increase cargo capacity by 50%, expand trading opportunities for exporters, and add at least 30 new destinations for passengers.
The plan depends on policy changes and a regulatory framework that would allow planning permission to be granted by 2029 and flights to operate on the new runway within a decade.
The proposed expansion would add 0.43 percent to the UK’s GDP, with 60 percent of the economic benefit expected outside London and the Southeast. Heathrow connects UK exporters to 92% of the world’s economy and handles more than £200 billion in annual trade.
The additional runway and new terminal facilities are expected to serve up to 150 million passengers on 756,000 flights each year. Terminals will be more spacious and accessible, and flights will be quicker to take off, thanks to a once-in-a-generation redesign of the airfield.
Heathrow’s blueprint includes a new northwestern runway, a new Terminal 5X, an expanded Terminal 2, and upgraded transport links. It also outlines commitments to net zero by 2050, noise reduction, and air quality improvements.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said, “With a green light from the government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit-for-purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country.”
Business groups, trade unions, and regional chambers have backed the plan, highlighting its role in securing export routes, creating jobs, and supporting regional connectivity. The airport plans to consult stakeholders next year and submit a planning application in 2028.
James Golding, Head of Cargo and Airline Partnerships at Heathrow, noted in a LinkedIn post, "It’s an exciting day for all of us involved in the project, but more than that, it’s the promise of enabling sustainable value for the passengers, businesses, and customers that will benefit from this transformation of the UK’s gateway to growth."
