Heathrow’s owners will reassess plans for a third runway if Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not explicitly back the project by the end of this year, the airport’s chief executive has warned.
Thomas Woldbye told the Financial Times that the backers of the UK’s only hub airport “cannot wait forever” for a clear commitment from the Prime Minister.
Decision sought on major expansion
The proposed runway is expected to cost more than £40bn. Burnham has so far declined to give overt support to the scheme, according to TransportXtra, in contrast with his predecessor.
The project is also facing Treasury concerns about the potential for a public spending commitment, adding to uncertainty over its future.
Heathrow’s warning places pressure on the Government to clarify its position on the long-running expansion proposal before the end-of-year deadline set out by the airport’s ownership.