Lack of key market access could hit British exporters, Heathrow warns

A lack of access to key trading markets could soon hit Britain’s exporters, Heathrow Airport has warned.

Figures revealed today (February 26) show that cargo routes between Heathrow and Shanghai, Delhi, Mumbai, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Dubai are virtually full and unable to accommodate future growth in trade.

These six routes account for almost one fifth (18%) of the airport’s total cargo volume.

According to Heathrow, the data highlights the importance of expanding its capacity to safeguard Britain“s position as a trading nation after Brexit.

The airport is currently undertaking a 10-week consultation over its multi-billion pound expansion, which is expected to double the airport’s cargo capacity and support up to 40 new long-haul trading links.

Some commitments have been made to mitigate the negatives of increased plane traffic, including a 6.5-hour ban on scheduled night flights and the promise to only release new capacity if air quality limits can be met.

Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s executive director for expansion, said: “Expanding Heathrow couldn’t be more important for Britain’s future, as we’re already seeing some of our most critical trading routes reach capacity.

“If we want Britain to thrive as a global trading powerhouse after Brexit, we need to get on with expanding Heathrow now. That starts with the Government taking advantage of the consensus in Parliament and scheduling a vote in Parliament before the summer.

She added: “With new capacity at our nation’s global gateway, we will unlock the trading opportunities that will underpin a prosperous future for all of Britain in the decades to come.”

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