Heathrow Airport is about to undergo a significant upgrade as it benefits from the largest investment programme in its history.
The expansion plans, revealed yesterday UK time, involve expanding terminals 2 and 5, as well as adding a third runway. The multi-billion pound investment programme is 100 per cent privately funded.
The plans are part of the UK’s initiative to make Heathrow the ‘UK’s Gateway to Growth’ .
In an address delivered at British Steel Scunthorpe, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye, said: “This privately funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year.
“Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor’s call to get Britain building.
“A third runway is critical for the country’s future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to the Government this summer.
“Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the government’s clear backing, I am today confirming multi-billion-pound investment plans, 100 per cent privately funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability.
“This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country’s crown – the UK’s Gateway to Growth.”
Whilst the full expansion plans will not be revealed until European summer this year, the plans confirmed investments in:
- Growing the capacity of Terminal 2 and 5
- Improving the layout of the airfield to increase the number of stands and improve punctuality
- Improving bus and coach connectivity around the airport
- New infrastructure that will help the airport use more sustainable sources of power
Heathrow is currently operating at 99 per cent capacity with just two runways. For comparison, Frances’ Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt Airport have four runways and Amsterdam has six.
The UK is not the only country feeling the need to update its airport infrastructure, last month Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) unveiled SKYTOPIA, an Airport City blueprint aimed at turning Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and its surrounding area into a world-class destination.
