Heathrow and Gatwick airport could expand under plans | Global News Avenue

Airports across the UK could be expanded under the government’s development plans, including Heathrow’s controversial third runway.

The Treasury is considering whether to support a third runway at Heathrow, approve a second runway at Gatwick and increase capacity at Luton Airport, but a government spokesman said it “does not comment on speculation”.

The new Labor government has made economic growth a key part of its message, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves promising to “go further, faster”.

The BBC understands Reeves is likely to make an announcement about the airport in a speech next week.

The chancellor will arrive in Davos on Tuesday for the World Economic Forum, where she will say Britain is “rising” as she meets business leaders and investors from around the world.

A government spokesman said: “We are determined to drive economic growth and secure the long-term future of UK aviation.

“All expansion proposals must demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, which is at the heart of our plan for change, while still complying with existing environmental obligations.”

The push for growth has become more urgent after international markets cast doubt on the credibility of Britain’s economic plans. UK borrowing costs soar Sterling fell.

Heathrow Airport boss Thomas Woldbye, december says His company needs “clear guidance” from the new government on plans to expand the airport and build a third runway by the end of 2025.

The government is due to make a decision on Gatwick Airport’s expansion plans by February 27.

Under previously announced plans, Gatwick hopes to increase its passenger capacity to 75 million passengers a year. The previous record before the coronavirus outbreak was 47 million.

If plans go ahead, Gatwick aims to complete the project by the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, decisions on the expansion of Luton Airport, including plans for a new terminal, are due to be made by April 3.

Plans to expand the airport were delayed by the previous Conservative government due to the environmental impact and opposition to noise from communities adjacent to the airport.

Heathrow expansion plans have divided Labor in the past, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer voting against building a third runway in 2018 and Reeves supporting it.