Heathrow boss gives Burnham ultimatum: back third runway or risk £33bn plan
Heathrow's chief executive has warned that the airport's global investors cannot wait indefinitely for the British Prime Minister's backing for a third runway, even as passenger numbers dipped last month. Thomas Woldbye told the Financial Times that shareholders, including the Qatar Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, may pull the plug on the £33 billion project unless Andy Burnham commits by the end of the year.
“Our shareholders would like to do this. They do think that things are taking a long time, and so far they have decided to be OK with that. But of course we cannot wait forever,” Woldbye said. “At some point in time we need a level of certainty. I think by the end of the year we'll be looking and saying: 'Let's assess this, let's take stock and see where we are.'”
Why is Heathrow pushing for a third runway now?
Despite a 2.3% drop in September traffic to 7.2 million passengers, driven by a 20.1% plunge from the Middle East due to the Iran war, Woldbye insists demand still outstrips capacity. UK passenger numbers fell 4%, while EU traffic was down 1.2%. The airport's backers must decide in the new year whether to submit a formal planning application.
“The debate about whether the UK needs additional hub airport capacity has been settled,” Woldbye said. “Businesses, trade unions, regional airports, airlines and politicians agree that better global connections are critical if the UK is to compete, trade and grow. This is not simply an investment in an airport. It is an investment in the UK's future competitiveness.”
What does the British government say?
Labour officially backed the expansion under former chancellor Rachel Reeves in January 2025, but Prime Minister Burnham has refused to confirm support, citing an ongoing consultation and planning process. The scheme, fully privately financed, would boost Heathrow's capacity to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually. Reeves suggested a 2035 opening, but airport bosses say that timeline is unrealistic, aiming for planning permission by 2029 and construction within a decade.
What happens next for the Heathrow expansion?
Woldbye is due to appear before the Transport Select Committee on Wednesday as it scrutinises the plans. The airport's owners, including China Investment Corp, must decide by early 2027 whether to proceed. With other international hubs expanding, the pressure is mounting on Burnham to make a call. For Ireland, the outcome matters: a bigger Heathrow could shift regional connectivity, but critics here will watch closely how a UK government balances economic growth with climate commitments.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Heathrow's third runway so expensive?
The £33 billion cost includes £1.5 billion to move the M25 motorway. The project is entirely privately financed, with no public money involved.
When could the third runway open?
Heathrow aims for planning permission by 2029 and believes building the runway within a decade is reasonable. The government's earlier 2035 target is seen as unachievable by airport bosses.
How would the third runway affect Ireland?
Expanded Heathrow capacity could increase flight options for Irish travellers and boost trade links, but it also raises environmental concerns and competition for Dublin Airport's hub status.