The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has welcomed the UK government’s decision to move forward with one of the proposed schemes for Heathrow Airport expansion, paving the way for a long-awaited third runway.
Steve Parker, BIFA Director General, described the announcement as an important milestone in a decades-long process. However, he emphasized that the government must now maintain momentum to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
“Having decided on the viability of the proposals put forward, the government now needs to do everything in its power to abide by its objective to deliver an operational third runway by 2035,” said Parker. “That will require swift decisions on applications for planning consent, hopefully before the end of this Parliament.”
Parker called on policymakers across the political spectrum to unite behind the expansion plan, noting the critical role Heathrow plays in the UK’s global connectivity and economic strength.
“It is now time for everyone, including politicians of all parties, to pull together in the national interest and support the bold plans to expand and improve airport infrastructure at Heathrow in order to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub,” he added.
BIFA has long advocated for additional runway capacity to support freight growth, citing Heathrow’s significance as a gateway for international trade. The approved development is expected to boost cargo capacity and improve the airport’s competitiveness amid increasing European and global demand.
