Responding to the news from UK government that Heathrow’s scheme for a third runway at Heathrow will now be taken forward to inform the Government’s review of the Airport’s National Policy Statement (ANPS), with publication of the draft expected in summer 2026, Paul Britton, CEO said:
“We welcome the Governments choice for Heathrow to deliver the third runway. This builds on Heathrow’s existing ambitious plans to upgrade and invest in terminals and customer experience.
“The decision will help address the risk register for local international businesses assessing the competitiveness of the UK. The expansion would create at least 30 new daily routes and serve up to 150 million passengers, and secure investment otherwise destined for other global locations.
“One in three of our members import or export, they have seen costs and the paperwork associated with getting goods to customers rise. Investing in key infrastructure and greater capacity at the UKs largest port for cargo is essential to keep business moving and access new markets.
“We would like to see Government go further with a comprehensive and sustained effort of policies that could start today to get more SMEs internationalising, to modernise customs procedures, and to upskill SMEs in the skills they need to grow. This will maximise the economic benefit of today’s decision while the plans for expansion are brought into reality.”
