Heathrow and Gatwick airports could expand under plans

Under government growth plans, airports across the UK could be expanded, including the controversial third runway at Heathrow.

The Treasury is considering whether to support a third runway at Heathrow, approve a second runway at Gatwick and increase capacity at Luton Airport, although a government spokesman said he “does not comment on speculation”. .

The new Labor government has made economic growth a key part of its message, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves promising to move “further and faster”.

The BBC believes Reeves could make the announcement on airports in a speech next week.

The Chancellor will arrive in Davos on Tuesday for the World Economic Forum, where she will tell business leaders and investors from around the world that the UK is “on the up”.

A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to growing our economy and securing the long-term future of the UK aviation sector.

“All expansion proposals must demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, which is central to our transition plan, while remaining consistent with existing environmental obligations.”

The push for growth has become even more important as international markets cast doubt on the credibility of the UK’s economic plans Britain’s borrowing costs are rising And the pound is falling.

Heathrow Airport boss, Thomas Waldby, said in december His company needs “clear guidance” from the new government by the end of 2025 on plans to expand the airport and build a third runway.

The Government is due to decide on plans to expand Gatwick Airport by 27 February.

According to previously published plans, Gatwick wants to increase its capacity to 75 million passengers per year. Its previous record pre-Covid was 47 million.

If plans go ahead, Gatwick is aiming to complete the project by the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, a decision on the expansion of Luton Airport, including plans for a new terminal, is due by April 3.

The airport’s expansion was delayed under the previous Conservative government due to objections from the airport’s neighboring communities over environmental impact and noise.

Heathrow expansion plans have been divisive for the Labor Party in the past, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer voting against a third runway in 2018 while Reeves supported it.