Burnham dodges questions on Heathrow third runway as project faces four-year delay
Summary
Plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport are delayed by up to four years, pushing the expected opening from 2035 to around 2039. The project faces mixed reactions from political leaders and unions, with concerns about environmental impact and economic benefits.Key Facts
- Heathrow Airport no longer expects the third runway to open by 2035 but aims for around 2039.
- The runway project is estimated to cost £33 billion and would allow up to 756,000 flights per year, up from the current 480,000 limit.
- Building the runway requires demolishing homes, diverting rivers, and rerouting part of the M25 motorway.
- The project could create about 100,000 jobs and boost the UK economy.
- Andy Burnham, a political leader, avoided stating clear support and called the project “contested” pending public consultation results.
- Environmental groups oppose the runway, citing high social and environmental costs.
- Unite and GMB unions support the project, emphasizing job creation and economic benefits.
- Heathrow says delays are due to planning and regulatory issues, not a change in support for expansion.
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