Heathrow – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has unveiled a £10 billion five-year plan, which forms the next part of its strategy to “be an extraordinary airport, fit for the future”.
The plan is designed to enable the airport to better serve passengers, improve operational resilience and unlock growth for both airlines and UK businesses – with a boost to the UK supply chain. It is a 100% privately financed investment in the UK’s hub airport, aiming to make Heathrow more sustainable and prepared for a digital future.
Over the past 12 months, Heathrow has been working closely with airline partners – including hosting over 120 hours of joint planning – and heard from more than two million passengers to understand what matters most, resulting in a customer-led investment plan which will span from 2027 to 2031.
This major infrastructure programme marks Heathrow’s most significant transformation in over a decade – including creating new space within existing terminals. From smoother journeys to new lounges, shops and restaurants, the changes are designed to make Heathrow a more enjoyable, resilient and efficient hub.
The investment includes steps toward reducing the airport’s environmental footprint:
- Removing 3 million tonnes of carbon – equivalent to 15% of 2024 footprint
- Noise insulation for 6,500 homes and 15 schools
- A sustainable and secure energy supply that maintains 100% renewable electricity
- 10% cut in waste and 20% rise in recycling
“We’re making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport – having become Europe’s most punctual major airport so far this year,” said Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow. “But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we. To compete with global hubs, we must invest. Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago. With Heathrow’s UK-based supply chain, this private investment will create jobs and drive national growth during this Parliament. We are ready to deliver the more efficient, sustainable Heathrow that will keep Britain connected to the world.”
You may also be interested in
12 technology and CX trends that can enhance airline and airport operations in 2025
APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing 2025 in pictures – ‘Innovate to Elevate’
