Heathrow’s £10bn Upgrade Drives Surge in Fees

Heathrow Unveils £10 Billion Plan to Expand Europe’s Leading Hub

London – Heathrow Airport announced Friday a five‑year investment of £10 billion ($14 billion) to increase passenger numbers, primarily financed through higher airline charges.

Investment Details

• Project will add 10 m passengers per year by 2031, pending CAA approval.
• £2 bn will come from shareholders; the remaining £8 bn will be financed by a £33.26 per‑passenger airline levy.

Strategic Rationale

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye described the programme as Heathrow’s most significant transformation in more than a decade, stressing the need to invest to compete with global hubs.

Planned Upgrades

Enhancements include faster security checkpoints, streamlined baggage handling, and new lounges, shops, and restaurants within existing terminals.

Future Expansion

Heathrow has recently secured government backing to build a third runway, a development that could reignite environmental opposition.