Heathrow expansion would take thousands of jobs from other UK regions, report finds
Summary
A government report shows that expanding Heathrow Airport with a third runway could cause job losses at other airports and regions in the UK, especially in places like the West Midlands. While Heathrow’s expansion may create jobs there, it might mainly shift jobs from other areas rather than add new ones, raising questions about whether the benefits will be shared across the country.Key Facts
- Expanding Heathrow with a third runway could reduce passenger numbers and jobs at other UK airports, including nearly 10,000 jobs lost in the West Midlands.
- Birmingham Airport may lose 7.5 million passengers a year by 2050, leading to around 9,500 fewer jobs locally.
- The New Economics Foundation said many jobs created at Heathrow would come from other regions, not new jobs overall.
- Government officials claim the expansion will create over 60,000 local jobs and benefit the wider UK economy.
- The economic boost from expansion is estimated at up to 0.05% increase in UK GDP per year, which is smaller than hoped.
- A review suggests the benefits will mostly go to London and the south-east, not broadly across the UK.
- The Department for Transport is consulting MPs for approval to build the third runway.
- Heathrow’s chief executive says the economic models used don’t capture all benefits, such as increased trade, and forecasts growth at Birmingham Airport by 2055.
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