Airport backs Heathrow's 'once-in-generation' expansion

A North East travel hub has backed Heathrow Airport’s £49 billion expansion plan.

Newcastle International Airport says the capital site’s third runway blueprint represents “very positive news for the North East”.

Heathrow bosses say its proposed landing strip would headline a “once-in-a-generation” airport redesign that would boost global connectivity and trade by serving 150 million passengers a year.

And Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport – which oversees daily British Airways Heathrow flights – said the proposals hold great potential to deliver a watershed moment in the North East’s business and tourism economies.

He added Heathrow’s expansion plan – which follows Government backing for a third runway – would feed into Newcastle International Airport’s ambition to serve up to nine million passengers and contribute £1.9 billion to the North East economy by 2040.

He said: “Heathrow’s plans are very positive news for our passengers and the North East.

“British Airways currently operates daily flights between Newcastle and Heathrow, which provide passengers with connections to destinations across the world.

“A third runway would significantly enhance both domestic and international connectivity and boost inbound tourism, bringing even more visitors to the North East.

“It would also create new cargo opportunities for local businesses, enabling them to access key international markets and help drive further growth and investment in the region.”

Hailing the potential of its expansion, which would also include a new terminal and improvements to bus and coach stations, Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow Airport chief executive, said it would provide up to 756,000 flights a year and boost UK GDP by 0.43 per cent.

He added: “It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow.

“We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity.

“We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.”          

A planning application could be submitted in 2028.

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