The chief executive of Heathrow Airport has cast fresh doubt over whether a long-planned third runway can be delivered, warning that significant planning and regulatory hurdles still stand in the way of construction.
Thomas Woldbye told an Aviation Club event in London that he was “not sure” the necessary requirements could be met in time, despite strong backing from ministers for the £49bn expansion.
“We have a year ahead of us where the government is strongly supporting a new runway,” said Thomas Woldbye. “We have a very solid description of what we’re going to build. But we don’t have long-term regulation in place. A lot of things need to happen this year to enable construction to begin.”
The proposed expansion, which includes a third runway, new terminal infrastructure and upgrades to existing facilities, was endorsed by the government as a central plank of its growth strategy. Rachel Reeves previously said the project would help make Britain “the world’s best-connected place to do business”.
However, Woldbye’s comments underline the complexity of turning political support into shovels in the ground.
Heathrow handled 84.5 million passengers last year, a modest increase on the previous year, but capacity constraints remain a persistent concern. Airport executives have repeatedly warned that without expansion, Heathrow risks losing its status as Europe’s busiest hub.
Under the current plans, a third runway would enable an additional 276,000 flights per year and support capacity for up to 66 million more passengers annually. The scheme would also require the demolition of more than 700 homes and the rerouting of the M25 through a tunnel beneath the new runway.
Construction is provisionally scheduled to begin in 2027, with the runway and associated terminals becoming operational by 2035. Yet regulatory approvals are still pending and the project is widely expected to face further legal challenges.
Airlines have also raised concerns about affordability. International Airlines Group (IAG), owner of British Airways, has said it has “serious concerns” about the cost of the expansion and is seeking discussions with the government to reduce the financial burden.
The Civil Aviation Authority has warned that airport charges could rise significantly if the scheme proceeds in its current form, potentially exceeding those at competing European hubs.
Governance changes are also under way as Heathrow seeks to advance the project. Philip Jansen, the former chief executive of BT Group, recently took over as chairman, succeeding Lord Deighton after nine years in the role.
While ministers continue to present expansion as essential to economic growth, Woldbye’s remarks suggest that delivering Heathrow’s third runway remains far from guaranteed.