A £2.3 billion “accelerated investment plan” has been unveiled to upgrade Heathrow over the next two years.
The planned outlay totals £1.05 billion in the airport’s infrastructure in 2025 and an additional £1.29 billion in 2026.
The aim is to ensure the London hub “continues to move forward and provide better service for passengers and businesses”.
“The investment programme will improve service, resilience, passenger experience, and sustainability for all passengers at Heathrow,” a statement said.
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The money will go towards enhancing capabilities across all terminals, including baggage delivery and projects to support punctual departures and arrivals.
The project was hailed as the largest private sector capital investment in UK transport infrastructure, with an increase of £244 million compared to previous estimates.
Investment will fund projects such as accelerating the airport’s decarbonisation and create contract opportunities for businesses and SMEs nationwide.
A £191 million upgrade to security lanes this year aims to ensure that Heathrow is prepared for the increase in demand expected during the Christmas period “and continues to focus on passenger experience, making our airport smarter and smoother for passengers and an even better place to work for colleagues”.
Heathrow chief executve Thomas Woldbye said: “Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to the world, and ultimately, the country’s gateway to growth.
“Today’s announcement confirms that we will continue to invest more than £1 billion of private sector cash each year into the airport to deliver facilities our airlines and passengers want, while boosting the UK economy and creating opportunities for businesses up and down the country.”