Heathrow expansion ‘would take jobs from other regions’

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

Government data analysis indicates that expanding Heathrow Airport with a third runway could reduce passenger traffic and cause significant job losses, particularly at regional airports like Birmingham, which may lose 9,500 aviation-related jobs by 2050. This raises concerns about the economic impact on regions outside London and the south-east, complicating political debates over the project’s benefits and regional investment priorities.

An analysis of government data suggests that the planned expansion of Heathrow Airport, including the construction of a third runway, could result in significant job losses in other parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in regional airports. The Department for Transport’s (DfT) own economic forecasts indicate that airports outside London and the south-east may see a sharp decline in passenger numbers, potentially affecting thousands of jobs.

Birmingham Airport is projected to experience one of the largest impacts, with an anticipated loss of 7.5 million passengers annually by 2050. This reduction could translate into approximately 9,500 job losses at the airport and in its associated supply chains. Overall, the report forecasts that around 15,200 aviation-related jobs that might have otherwise developed in regional areas could be absorbed by Heathrow, alongside 6,400 jobs from other airports in London and the south-east.

The findings have intensified debate over the political viability of Heathrow’s expansion, especially in the context of the new prime minister Andy Burnham’s stated commitment to address regional disparities in infrastructure investment. Burnham has criticized the concentration of spending in southern England and pledged to redistribute resources to the north.

The New Economics Foundation (NEF), which analyzed the DfT data, argued that the expansion would primarily result in a redistribution of existing jobs rather than creating new positions nationwide. Alex Chapman, NEF’s head of economic policy, said the project appeared increasingly as an effort to shift employment and investment toward London and the south-east, potentially undermining economic growth in regions that need investment.

In response, the government dismissed the NEF analysis as selective and emphasized the broad national benefits of the Heathrow project. A DfT spokesperson highlighted that the expansion could generate over 60,000 local jobs and that up to 40% of the £2.6 billion projected economic gain would be realized outside the London area.

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, also defended the plan, noting that conventional economic models used in the government’s assessments might not capture the full scope of benefits. He cited support from trade unions, businesses, and airports across the UK, describing the project as a catalyst for wider economic opportunities.

The government’s report, released alongside a consultation on the Heathrow expansion national policy statement, further stated that the overall boost to the UK economy might be modest—potentially up to 0.05% annual growth in GDP. A peer review of the DfT’s GDP modelling cautioned against assuming broad regional distribution of these gains, calling it “erroneous” to claim widespread economic benefits based solely on the available modelling.

The Heathrow expansion requires parliamentary approval, and the latest analysis adds complexity to the ongoing debate over how the project will affect regional economies and nationwide growth.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.