The UK Government has announced today that Heathrow airport will get a third runway to connect long haul destinations in growing world markets, boosting trade and creating jobs. With the new runway, passengers will benefit from more choice of airlines, destinations and flights and expansion at Heathrow will be subject to a world class package of compensation and mitigation measures for local communities.

The UK government approved the plan and supported for a new runway at Heathrow – the first full length runway in the south-east since the second world war. The scheme will now be taken forward in the form of a draft ‘National policy statement’ (NPS) for consultation.

The government’s decision on its preferred location, which will be consulted on in the new year, underlines its commitment to keeping the UK open for business now and in the future and as a hub for tourism and trade. Today’s decision is a central part of the government’s plan to build a global Britain and an economy that works for everyone. This is just one of a series of major infrastructure investments that will create jobs and opportunities for every part of the UK.

A new runway at Heathrow will bring economic benefits to passengers and the wider economy worth up to £61 billion. Up to 77,000 additional local jobs are expected to be created over the next 14 years and the airport has committed to create 5,000 new apprenticeships over the same period.

Top image: Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, image courtesy of Heathrow/Facebook

> via gov.uk