10 billion pounds to revamp Heathrow

Heathrow is preparing to enter a new era, in the same way as other London airports. Week by week, the UK hub's managers and their private partners fine-tune the project, and above all the size of the investment. On 11 July, the sum of 10 billion pounds (11.5 billion euros) has been made official by the airport management. 100 % of this investment will be financed by private funds. It will run from 2027 to 2031. Eventually, the London Heathrow hub will be able to handle 10 million additional passengers per year, representing an increase in capacity of 12 %.

The airport management is already promising that the programme will be " the most significant transformation of Heathrow for over a decade, including the creation of a new space equivalent to 10 football pitches in the existing terminals ". On the agenda: a smoother passenger journey, a revamped shopping offer and new lounges. The creation of new space in the existing terminals to accommodate new lounges, shops and restaurants will be a first for Heathrow Airport in ten years. "Behind the scenes, we are planning the redevelopment of the central terminal area and will be applying for permission to demolish the old Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2 and build a new southern road tunnel to improve access," Heathrow management explains.

" We are making good progress in our strategy to become an extraordinary airport, having become Europe's most punctual airport so far this year. But our customers want us to improve our international ranking even further, just as we do. "says Thomas Woldbye. Heathrow's CEO continues: " To compete with global hubs, we need to invest. Our five-year plan builds operational resilience, delivers the best service passengers expect and frees up the growth capacity airlines want through ambitious efficiency targets and airport charges comparable to those of a decade ago. Through Heathrow's UK supply chain, this private investment will create jobs and drive national growth during this Parliament. We are ready to deliver a more efficient and sustainable Heathrow that will keep Britain connected to the world. ".