UK. A -20.1% year-on-year fall in Middle East traffic contributed to a -2.3% decline in Heathrow Airport’s passenger numbers in September, with the figure reaching 7.18 million.
Asia Pacific (+3.3% year-on-year) and Non-EU Europe (+1.7%) were the only major regional markets to post growth in the month.
In the first nine months, passenger volumes reached 62.9 million, down by -0.6% year-on-year.
The airport company also claimed strong support for a third runway at Heathrow, saying that “a coalition of politicians, businesses, workers, regional airports and airlines” are backing expansion. This comes as the UK Parliament is reviewing the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), the plan to expand the UK hub.
A Heathrow statement said, “Demand for access to Heathrow continues to exceed available capacity, with more than 40 airlines seeking slots at the airport. New carriers and expanded services would give passengers greater choice while demonstrating the continued strength of demand to fly from the UK’s global gateway.
“But with the airport full and flights limited, airlines looking to launch or expand services are being forced to choose competing hubs overseas, taking connectivity, trade and growth opportunities away from the UK.”
It added, “A larger Heathrow would create space for new airlines and new routes, increasing competition and helping deliver more choice and lower fares for consumers while strengthening connections between the UK’s regions and global markets. Airlines as well as airports across the UK, including Aberdeen, Belfast City, Cornwall Newquay, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and Teesside all want Heathrow to expand at pace to improve connectivity and enable growth.”
Trade unions including GMB, Unite and the TUC want the project to move ahead for the over 100,000 jobs and 5,000 apprenticeships it will unlock, as well as the pipeline of work the investment will deliver for UK supply chains, claimed the airport company.
Major business organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce and Confederation of British Industry are also behind the project, noting the economic opportunities that additional hub capacity would bring across Britain.
The Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander recently confirmed that Heathrow expansion is compatible with the UK’s efforts to meet net zero by 2050.
Polling of more than 9,000 residents across nine local boroughs in London, Surrey and Berkshire found that 68% support a third runway at Heathrow, with backing driven by the employment and economic opportunities expansion would create, according to Heathrow Airport.
Ahead of his evidence session at the Transport Select Committee’s hearing on the HENPS later this week, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “The debate about whether the UK needs additional hub airport capacity has been settled. Businesses, trade unions, regional airports, airlines and politicians agree that better global connections are critical if the UK is to compete, trade and grow.
“Expansion would unlock more than 100,000 jobs, inject £33 billion of private investment, strengthen British supply chains and increase export capacity for companies across the country. It would open the door to new airlines, new destinations and greater choice for consumers.
“This is not simply an investment in an airport. It is an investment in the UK’s future competitiveness. At a time when other international hubs continue to grow and attract new routes, this country has an opportunity to strengthen its global connections and unlock growth in every nation and region.
“There is now a clear path forward. The private investment is available, the benefits are well understood and the Government has confirmed expansion can be delivered within net zero targets. After decades of discussion, Parliament now has the opportunity to unlock a project that can deliver lasting benefits for generations to come. We are ready to deliver it.” ✈
