Slow progress on Heathrow’s third runway should be national concern, boss says

Thomas Woldbye says major funding model decisions need to be taken if the airport is to meet government timetable

Heathrow has reported falling profits and a squeeze on passenger growth, as its boss said that slow progress on its “underestimated” £33bn third runway scheme should be a national concern.

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said major decisions on its funding model and the legal underpinning for expansion needed to be taken by regulators and government this year if the airport was to meet the timetable set down by chancellor Rachel Reeves, for construction to start by 2029.