The Airport Operator: Summer 2025
20 June 2025
Writing for The Airport Operator, he says airports “drive growth, enable trade, and connect people to jobs, education and each other”:
SSince taking up this post, I’ve seen first-hand the energy and expertise of those working across the UK’s airports. That effort is essential. Airports drive growth, enable trade, and connect people to jobs, education, and each other. Whether it’s unlocking opportunity or leading the transition to clean energy, this industry has a huge part to play in our national renewal.
Unmatched in reach, aviation is central not only to this government’s plans but its actions.
Take Heathrow. The UK’s only hub airport has long faced capacity constraints with negative knock-on effects for the whole industry, not just London. Indecision got
previous governments nowhere. We’re determined to press ahead. Why?
It’s not expansion for expansion’s sake. A third runway at Heathrow could unlock billions in investment, bringing with it more than 100,000 jobs and improving global connectivity for businesses worldwide. Once proposals are submitted, we’ll move quickly to review the Airports National Policy Statement and give the clarity the sector has long sought. And I’m clear: any scheme must be delivered in line with our legal obligations on climate and the environment.
More: The Airport Operator: Summer 2025 - Pages 12 to 14 - Airports UK - 20 June 2025
