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UK's Heathrow rallies support for third runway as Parliament weighs expansion plans
Heathrow says the runway would add 150 million passengers a year and create more than 100,000 jobs, as investors weigh a £33 billion plan.
On Monday, Heathrow Airport announced its expansion plans secured backing from airlines, trade unions, and investors as the British Parliament reviews the project for a third runway at the UK's busiest airport.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye warned investors "cannot wait forever" for Prime Minister backing, as major backers including the Qatar Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund must decide soon on formal applications.
Expansion would unlock more than 100,000 jobs and £33 billion in private investment, while polling of more than 9,000 residents across nine local boroughs found 68% support the project.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to back the plans, citing consultation and planning processes, despite Labour government support previously set out by former chancellor Rachel Reeves in January 2025.
Woldbye is due to appear before the Transport Select Committee on Wednesday to provide evidence, insisting the debate over the need for additional hub capacity has "been settled.