Heathrow Airport has unveiled a £10 billion private investment plan for 2027–2031 to enhance operational resilience, improve passenger experience and boost the UK economy by accommodating up to 10 million additional passengers annually.

This ambitious initiative, submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for review, is highly relevant to Global Travel Management’s business travel customers, as it promises reduced delays, faster security queues, and upgraded facilities, ensuring smoother and more efficient business trips through the UK’s primary hub.

The plan addresses key pain points for business travellers, such as lengthy queues and operational disruptions, with a commitment to achieving five-minute security queues by 2031 and ensuring 99% of luggage travels with passengers.

Heathrow aims to enhance connectivity by adding up to 70 new routes, including 20 domestic connections, facilitating seamless business travel across the UK and globally. Infrastructure upgrades include modernising Terminals 1, 2, and 3, with a complete rebuild of Terminal 2 to handle increased capacity while maintaining service quality.

Sustainability is also a focus, with investments in low-carbon technologies to support the aviation sector’s net-zero ambitions by 2050, aligning with the priorities of environmentally conscious corporate travellers.

Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, said,

“This investment will transform the experience for passengers at Britain’s global gateway, with smoother journeys, fewer delays, and world-class facilities – all while boosting the UK’s economic growth and connectivity.”

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, added,

“Heathrow’s £10 billion plan is a game-changer for UK-based business travellers, offering faster, more reliable journeys and enhanced connectivity that will save valuable time and improve productivity on the go.”

The plan also proposes a 17% increase in airport charges, which has sparked debate with airlines, though Heathrow argues this will deliver long-term value for passengers and the economy.

Heathrow handles over 80 million passengers annually and connects to more than 200 destinations worldwide. The investment plan builds on a record-breaking 2024, with December marking the busiest ever at 7.2 million passengers, underscoring the need for capacity expansion. The CAA will review the plan to balance passenger benefits with affordability, with a decision expected by early 2026.

For business travellers, this translates to a more reliable and comfortable travel experience, critical for maintaining schedules and maximising productivity.