Heathrow expansion ‘cannot be considered in isolation’, transport body says

Consideration of a third runway as part of Heathrow expansion “cannot be considered in isolation” against the backdrop of a changing aviation sector.

 

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (Cilt UK) made the plea while calling for the government to introduce a “clear, co-ordinated” airports strategy.

 

The comments came as Heathrow disclosed that its expansion plans are expected to unlock more than 108,000 jobs nationwide across construction, engineering and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

 

The new jobs figures come as the government’s consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) closes and the Transport Committee holds its opening inquiry evidence sessions.

 

Cilt (UK) highlighted rising passenger numbers alongside stable aircraft movements, driven by larger aircraft and higher load factors, in its response to draft HENPS consultation. 

 

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The organisation has expressed support for continued growth in air transport but Heathrow’s expansion plans must reflect how the aviation market has changed since the early 2010s, “be fit for purpose and be affordable in respect of additional charges levied on passengers including many who will not experience an expanded airport”.

The body’s aviation policy group chair Chris Tarry said: “The institute agrees with the government that air transport will continue to grow, but this growth must be managed to ensure that the benefits continue to outweigh the impacts.

 

“Over recent years whilst passenger numbers have grown, the number of flights has not, as the average size of aircraft serving the UK market has grown.”

 

He added: “Heathrow cannot be considered in isolation – we need an airport strategy that looks at capacity and demand across the whole country.

 

“With expansion already approved at Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, and further capacity available at airports such as Manchester and Edinburgh, the government must consider how Heathrow fits into the wider UK aviation network.

 

“Cilt (UK) does not seek to take sides in the debate over Heathrow’s economic benefits. Instead, we want to focus on a practical question: how should the expansion be paid for? Who should take the risk? and beyond this, what is actually affordable in the real world?

 

“As it stands there are many questions that have yet to be addressed arising from the current proposals to expand Heathrow.”

Once operational, Heathrow says its planned third runway will increase capacity up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers, delivering new terminal facilities and more reliable journeys. 

 

Adding 50% more capacity will introduce greater competition and choice, making travel more affordable for passengers, the airport argued.

 

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.”

 

Amex GBT executive vice president of global SME Jason Geall said: “The news about projected job is creation is great, but key questions on expansion remain: at what cost, and who pays for it?

 

“Heathrow has been the world’s most expensive major airport for over a decade and the Civil Aviation Authority’s own analysis shows charges could more than double under the current regulatory model - adding around £60 to every return ticket. That’s a cost that lands on businesses, travellers and the connectivity the UK relies on to compete globally.

 

“Heathrow needs genuine reform alongside expansion: terminal competition, competitive procurement, and independent scrutiny of spending. Growth and good value aren’t mutually exclusive - but only if we get the model right from the start."

 

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has formally opposed the third runway plans, claiming that the expansion threatens environmental targets and transport networks.