London Heathrow could benefit from Brexit

Supporters of the case for a third runway at London Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers and also one of the most congested on the continent, may have found some unwitting support with Brexit. What do the British people's recent decision to turn their backs on the European Union and Heathrow's 15-year-old expansion project have in common? On the face of it, not much... except that the construction of a third runway at the airport, opposed by many British politicians including Boris Johnson, former Mayor of London and current Foreign Secretary, is now seen as a necessary lifeline for the British economy. It is even seen as a sign of defiance towards Europe.
A year ago, the UK government's Airports Commission warned of the urgent need to build a third runway at Heathrow, as the hub was well over its maximum capacity of 82 long-haul aircraft movements per hour. The same commission also recommended two other options: a second runway at Gatwick and a fourth runway to the north of Heathrow.

With Brexit behind them, those in favour of expansion could take advantage of the new political situation. Heathrow has a real need for this third runway, which would potentially add 42 movements per hour. What's more, the return of British sovereignty in its aviation negotiations with third countries could result in a new influx of traffic, particularly if the UK shows itself to be very flexible when it comes to allocating frequencies and additional routes.
Other experts say that with the UK economy likely to be in recession, major structural projects such as Heathrow's third runway and a new terminal could boost the labour market. Particularly as these would be private sector projects. Investment in Heathrow airport alone is estimated at £16 billion.
The decision on a new runway must be taken before the end of the year. And if it is positive, it will demonstrate that Great Britain wants to remain a nation that counts in the economic world, whether or not it is a member of the European Union.

Table: List of non-stop long-haul flights from London Heathrow (July 2016 - monthly frequencies)

(Source: flightmapsanalytics 07/16)