Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, claims that capacity constraints are preventing dozens of airlines from accessing the airport or expanding their operations there. Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye said there was a queue of more than 40 carriers ready to start flying from Heathrow if they could get slots there.
Woldbye added that the time had come to unblock “a decades-old barrier to growth”. His comments come as parliament returns and as Heathrow prepares to give evidence on its third runway plans following consultation on the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.
Heathrow handled 23 million passengers between June and August this year, including 7.87 million in August alone. The airport did record a new busiest-ever day on 2 August when nearly 272,000 passengers transited Heathrow.
The airport retains its claim to being “Europe’s most punctual hub” with 98% of passengers “waiting less than five minutes at security and 98% seeing bags depart as planned”. This was achieved despite “some big challenges” for aviation during the summer.
After Xiamen Airlines became Heathrow’s newest carrier, the airport said: “The number of incumbent and prospective airlines seeking scarce slots now exceeds 40. Three-quarters of proposed new routes would provide vital long-haul links, but Heathrow’s ability to accommodate them is constrained without expansion.”
Heathrow claims expansion will support 108,000 jobs, boost trading capacity by 50% and make travel more affordable to more destinations. Woldbye added: “This summer, Heathrow remained Europe’s most punctual hub. The longest queue at Heathrow is now the one made up of over 40 airlines that want to better connect the UK but can’t secure a slot because our runways are full.
Read Also: Advantage sees strong lates market as demand cycle
Expansion is a national project that will create jobs, unlock growth and make travel more affordable. They are working with government to deliver these benefits to every nation and region as quickly as possible. In similar situations, airports have seen significant benefits from expansion, such as increased connectivity and economic growth, which could be a likely outcome for Heathrow as well.
Heathrow is well-positioned to remain a major hub for air travel in the UK. It continues to work with the government to deliver the benefits of expansion and remains committed to providing a high level of service to its passengers.
Thomas Woldbye and his team are focused on the future of Heathrow. The airport’s strong performance and plans for expansion are key to its success.
The number of passengers using Heathrow is significant. The airport’s performance is a key indicator of its success.
Heathrow’s expansion plans are important for the airport’s future. The plans will support jobs and boost trading capacity.