Overview
- Heathrow’s CEO Thomas Woldbye said the third runway should have been built a decade ago and warned it may take another 10 years, as the airport seeks permission for a £50bn expansion that includes diverting the M25.
- Heathrow reported 2025 revenues up 2% to £3.6bn with EBITDA flat at £2bn, while pre-tax profit fell by about a third to £575m, and it paid a £550m dividend for the first time in five years.
- Passenger traffic reached a record 84.5 million in 2025 and is forecast to rise to about 85 million this year, with growth constrained near a capacity ceiling of roughly 90 million.
- Operational metrics improved in 2025, with 98% of passengers clearing security in under five minutes, a halving of mishandled bags, and Heathrow claiming the title of Europe’s most punctual hub.
- Environmental groups and local residents oppose the project, while airlines argue the plans are too costly and that current passengers should not pre-fund future infrastructure, even as Istanbul could overtake Heathrow in passenger numbers later this year.