Airport Expansion Vital to Boosting Growth

23rd January 2025

Responding to reports that the Chancellor is preparing to support expansion plans at three UK airports, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Expanding the UK’s airport capacity is vital to driving economic growth and it remains a top priority for business.

“We wholeheartedly support a third runway at Heathrow, Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project and Luton’s expansion of terminal capacity. All three projects will help boost trade, attract international investment and bring huge benefits to SMEs in supply chains across the UK.

“Any developments must be aligned to the government’s commitments on the environment. That will require the airports, the aviation sector and ministers to work together.

“At a time of increased costs for many businesses, speeding up infrastructure investment is crucial to boosting economic activity and unlocking growth. These airport proposals must form a key part of the UK’s long-term infrastructure strategy to help businesses grow, trade and thrive.”