Heathrow Airport’s chief executive has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to support the construction of a third runway, asserting that the project could play a crucial role in reducing youth unemployment and driving economic growth. Thomas Woldbye highlighted the potential for the expansion to generate a wide range of jobs, from engineers and architects involved in the development phase to frontline workers such as security staff and baggage handlers.

Woldbye emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (NEETs), which recently surpassed one million nationwide—approximately one in eight young people. He described the situation as a "ticking bomb" that needs to be defused, and positioned the Heathrow expansion as a potential solution. “A growth agenda is absolutely necessary; it’s what brings us out of the challenge we have with education,” he said.

The proposal comes amid Burnham’s focus on welfare reform and reducing the national benefits bill, with the prime minister engaging with former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who is conducting a review into youth inactivity. Despite Woldbye’s appeal, Burnham has previously voiced reservations about the third runway. In January last year, he warned that the expansion could divert infrastructure investment away from northern England, potentially hindering efforts to create a more balanced and “levelled-up” economy beyond London and the southeast.

A Department for Transport report has also suggested that the economic gains from the £49 billion project could be limited, adding further caution to the debate. Nevertheless, Heathrow officials say they have engaged with Burnham’s team on the proposal, seeking to build support.

Lord David Blunkett, chair of the Heathrow local growth taskforce and a key figure in Burnham’s political career, has expressed strong backing for the expansion. He warned that failing to create clear opportunities for the one million NEETs risks “failing a generation.” Blunkett stated that while the Milburn review’s recommendations are pending, projects like Heathrow expansion offer immediate avenues for investment and job creation, potentially transforming tens of thousands of lives.

Heathrow plans to develop a privately financed 3,500-meter runway by 2035, as part of the broader £49 billion investment package. An alternative proposal for a shorter runway has been put forward by hotelier Surinder Arora, but the government has indicated a preference for Heathrow’s original plan.

Woldbye also noted that, beyond localized noise concerns near the airport, public opinion outside the immediate area is largely supportive of the additional runway, recognizing its potential benefits for economic development, job creation, and innovation.