The Heathrow Airport Third Runway Expansion Saga

During busy times on an average day at Heathrow Airport, planes can land as often as one every 45 seconds.

Serving more than 83 million passengers in 2024, Heathrow is one of the largest airports in the world. The name is a global brand, known by travellers as the gateway to the UK and to the rest of Europe.

But with its two runways, the busy airport is straining. It is nearly at its maximum annual capacity of 480,000 flights. 

The infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand for constant landings and takeoffs. 

Over the last few weeks, the almost two-decades-long debate about whether the airport should be allowed to expand with a third runway has reached a fever point.

Government ministers argue an expansion of Heathrow and other airports in the country could drive the UK's sluggish economic growth and boost the tourism sector. 

Climate campaigners say the emissions from an expansion would be catastrophic for the environment.

Some airlines have backed the plans, whereas others are hesitant. 

On Wednesday, the politician in charge of the UK’s economy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, announced that the government will back a third runway at Heathrow and an expansion at other airports in the country. 

What Could a Third Heathrow Runway Mean for Tourism?

Plans by Heathrow Airport show the location of a potential third runway.

Heathrow Airport said in a report that the hub served more than 11 million international visitors in 2024 and that the expansion could give the UK’s economy a £1