The UK Government has published the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement. Heathrow welcomed the publication, describing it as an important milestone towards unlocking additional airport capacity that could support trade, investment and connectivity across the UK.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said the draft policy statement represented “something Britain has often found difficult in recent years: progress.”

“The UK cannot realise its full economic potential without an expanded Heathrow, and this is an important step towards delivering the capacity the country needs,” he said.

Woldbye added that Heathrow’s expansion plans are privately funded and have received support from businesses, trade unions and communities across the country. The airport’s immediate focus will now be on securing planning permission and progressing the project.

Support for the latest development came from a broad coalition of business groups, trade unions, politicians and aviation stakeholders. The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said Heathrow remains “the gateway to the UK” and argued that expansion would benefit regional economies through improved connectivity, supply-chain opportunities and increased exports.

Trade unions Community and GMB also reaffirmed their support for the project, citing Heathrow’s commitments to domestic supply chains, living wages, union recognition and the UK Steel Charter. The unions described expansion as a project capable of delivering “tens of thousands of jobs and training opportunities” and said moving the project forward would demonstrate the UK’s ability to deliver major infrastructure.

Regional chambers of commerce from across England and Scotland echoed that view, stating that Heathrow’s expansion is closely linked to the future growth of regional economies and would create opportunities in supply chains, exports and retail throughout the UK.

The Government has framed the project as part of its wider economic growth agenda. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said growth remains the government’s top priority and highlighted the potential economic impact of expansion.

“An expanded Heathrow could support over 60,000 good local jobs and deliver up to £42 billion in economic benefits,” Reeves said, adding that the consultation represented a key milestone in delivering nationally significant infrastructure.

Political support was also expressed from across the UK. Sarah Champion MP said a third runway would increase access to international markets while supporting jobs, manufacturing and the steel sector. John Cooper MP highlighted the importance of Heathrow’s connectivity for Scottish exports, including whisky and salmon, while Jim Shannon MP said expansion would help protect and strengthen vital links between Northern Ireland and the UK’s hub airport.

The aviation industry also welcomed the publication. ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec described the government’s decision as a “clear and positive signal” supporting Heathrow’s plans. He said expansion would strengthen the UK’s connectivity, competitiveness and ability to attract investment, trade and talent, while also reinforcing Europe’s position within global aviation.

Infrastructure suppliers are also positioning themselves for future opportunities linked to the project. ATG Airports, which has worked with Heathrow for more than 25 years, said expansion would create significant opportunities for businesses across Greater Manchester and the North-West while supporting regional economic growth.

“ATG Airports are proud to have worked with Heathrow for over 25 years and welcome this major milestone that will allow our relationship to continue to flourish. Heathrow is the gateway to the UK, and its expansion is the future for growth of the UK’s regional economies. It demonstrates a huge opportunity for businesses across Greater Manchester and the North-West to play a key role in the delivery of this vital infrastructure project,” ATG Airports said.

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