UK Faces Backlash Over Planned £21bn Heathrow Third Runway

Plans to expand Heathrow Airport with a £21 billion third runway have sparked significant debate across the UK, dividing public opinion and experts alike. While supporters emphasize job creation and economic growth, critics highlight concerns about worsening regional inequality, environmental damage, increased noise pollution, and the risks of concentrating too much air traffic in one location, especially after recent operational outages. A coalition of economists and transport specialists has challenged the economic benefits of airport expansion, questioning assumptions about air travel demand and warning about inadequate mitigation of environmental and health impacts. Industry voices, such as Logistics UK, stress the importance of including airfreight development in the expansion to support UK trade and economic growth. Local opposition remains strong, with persistent resistance from community groups, politicians, and environmental advocates citing climate targets and quality-of-life issues. The debate reflects broader dissatisfaction with UK infrastructure investment, with many calling for more balanced regional development and improved transport systems nationwide.