Plans to expand Heathrow Airport with a third runway are expected to support around 108,000 jobs across the UK, according to figures released by the airport.
The employment impact would extend beyond Heathrow and its immediate supply chain, with opportunities expected in construction, engineering, manufacturing and apprenticeships.
The new employment figures were published as the Government’s consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement closed and the Transport Committee began its inquiry into the proposed expansion.
The airport expects the project to generate additional private investment and demand across UK supply chains. This could include work for steel manufacturers and other industrial suppliers involved in constructing the additional infrastructure.
Trade unions and industry bodies, including UK Steel, GMB, Unite and Community, have expressed support for the expansion, citing its potential impact on employment and domestic supply chains.
Heathrow currently operates with limited available capacity. The airport argues that additional capacity would allow more flights and passengers to use the UK’s main international hub and improve connections between UK businesses and overseas markets.
Under the expansion plans, a third runway would increase Heathrow’s capacity to as many as 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers a year once fully operational. The project would also involve new terminal infrastructure.
The proposed increase in capacity is intended to provide airlines with additional slots and could increase competition between carriers. Heathrow says this could give passengers greater choice, although the eventual effect on fares and airline services would depend on how airlines respond to the additional capacity.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said:We want to support the Government’s ambition to deliver ‘good growth in every postcode’ and unlock what’s been holding this country back, including finally clearing the path for Heathrow expansion to take off. We are ready to show that private investment can work alongside government to revitalise British industry and create long-lasting, high-quality jobs and opportunities for people across the country.
However, the proposed expansion has also faced concerns over its environmental impact, including the effect of additional flights on carbon emissions, air quality and noise for communities around the airport.
The proposed third runway remains subject to the Government’s planning and policy processes, with parliamentary scrutiny now under way. The timing and final scope of any expansion will depend on the outcome of those processes and subsequent approvals.
The expansion would be funded entirely through private investment, meaning no direct taxpayer funding would be required for the airport’s expansion programme.
