9 godzin temu
Heathrow Airport has unveiled a massive £10 billion investment plan to expand capacity over the next five years, aiming to handle an extra 10 million passengers by 2031. The ambitious proposal forms the core of the airport's 2027-2031 business plan, which was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority on Friday.
Writing in The Standard, Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the changes would include new lounges, restaurants and shops, as well as faster security and baggage handling. The improvements come as Heathrow remains Europe's busiest airport, with more than 83.9 million passengers travelling through its terminals in 2024.
£33 charge unlocks major upgrades
"For an average airport charge of £33.26 - lower in real terms than a decade ago - we'll unlock space for 10 million more passengers, grow cargo capacity by 20% and upgrade nearly every part of the passenger journey," Woldbye said. The investment promises faster security, smoother baggage handling, more comfortable terminals, new lounges, restaurants and shops.
The chief executive emphasised the plan would deliver better service for the growing number of passengers who need assistance. Heathrow also committed to cutting carbon emissions by three million tonnes - or 15% of its 2024 footprint - over the next five years.
Global competition drives investment push
Woldbye acknowledged that Heathrow faces stiff international competition and needs significant investment to maintain its position. "Heathrow is not where we'd want it to be in the global rankings. We've shown we can improve, becoming Europe's most punctual major airport this year," he said.
"But to move up, we must invest. Other countries have modernised their hubs, the UK hasn't - the risk of doing nothing is decline," the chief executive warned. The investment plan represents a major commitment to upgrading Britain's primary aviation gateway as passenger numbers continue to recover and grow.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
