Transport Secretary Alexander backs third Heathrow runway, cites growth and accountability

Runway benefits and decision

Heidi Alexander said a third Heathrow runway could create new opportunities, jobs, investment and growth in every corner of the UK. She added that the government still needs to make a final decision on the expansion plans after a consultation.

Air‑traffic outage accountability

Alexander said there must be accountability for recent air‑traffic outages caused by successive NATS IT incidents. She noted that the Civil Aviation Authority is carrying out an independent review into what went wrong, to be delivered in six months.

NATS boss Martin Rolfe has come under pressure to step down after an air‑traffic control software fault in early September that cancelled more than 2,000 flights, followed by a second issue within two weeks that cancelled more than 170 flights.

Heathrow investment outlook

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the planned investment in the £33 billion third‑runway scheme could be lost overseas without a firm commitment. He said the expansion would provide a huge economic boost and opportunities such as apprenticeships, and that Heathrow expects to submit a formal planning application in the next couple of years.