The long-delayed expansion of Heathrow Airport in the UK, which includes the addition of a third runway, is crucial for bolstering the nation’s economy. This assertion comes from Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports and former head of Gatwick Airport, who recently expressed his concerns about the stagnation of Heathrow in a discussion with The Telegraph.

Economic Implications of Heathrow’s Expansion

Griffiths emphasizes that the failure to modernize Heathrow is hindering national growth and reducing the airport’s global standing. He stated, “The true competition between airlines and airports is in the transfer market,” pointing out that Heathrow has lost its capability to serve as a leading transfer hub due to inadequate capacity. The quest for a third runway has been ongoing for nearly half a century, highlighting the complexities and political challenges associated with airport development in the West. Griffiths argues that it’s time for the UK to move forward on this issue decisively.

He believes that the continuous evaluations regarding the environmental effects of expanding airports lead to imbalanced discussions, ultimately stifling opportunities for economic growth. Griffiths remarked that the limitations in capacity could significantly boost the British economy, which is currently being hindered.

Current State of Heathrow Airport

As the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow has recently experienced increased passenger traffic, accommodating a record 84 million travelers in 2025. However, the potential for further expansion is limited, leading to soaring prices for airline slots that are now valued in the millions. The idea of a third runway, proposed as far back as 1946, promises to enable Heathrow to handle up to 150 million passengers per year. Yet, this project faces significant opposition primarily of an environmental nature, alongside critiques from major airlines like British Airways and Virgin. These carriers have voiced their discontent with the high costs associated with operating at Heathrow, claiming they subsidize improvements that ultimately benefit their competition.

Comparison with Dubai’s Aviation Strategy

Contrasting experiences between London’s Heathrow and Dubai Airports reveal a stark difference in governmental support. Griffiths noted that in Dubai, the importance of aviation to the economy is well-recognized, facilitating growth rather than placing constraints. He believes that unnecessary restrictions on aviation growth have serious economic consequences that may not be widely understood. Additionally, he asserted that the economic benefits generated from enhancing aviation could rekindle the UK economy in a way no other sector can match.

Griffiths pointed out that while growth in the aviation sector is stagnant in the UK, international players are quickly capturing market share. With the emergence of fierce competition from hubs in places like Qatar and Istanbul, Heathrow’s struggle raises concerns regarding its future as a global aviation leader.

The Need for Urgent Action

Since losing its title as the world’s busiest international airport to Dubai International Airport over a decade ago, Heathrow’s growth has stagnated, growing at a mere fraction of Dubai’s 35%. This ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for the UK to reassess its aviation strategy and ultimately progress with the expansion plans. As the world of aviation evolves, the UK must act swiftly to reclaim its status and catalyze economic growth or risk falling further behind.