Logistics industry responds to Heathrow third runway announcement

Speaking after the announcement of the winning bid for the construction of the third runway at Heathrow Airport, business group Logistics UK’s Head of Infrastructure Policy, Jonathan Walker said:  

“Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest port, handling 1.58 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, and the announcement of the winning third runway bid will provide growth opportunities for the UK economy in the long term. Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards the implementation of the project, but there are other hurdles to be cleared, including CAA approvals and planning reforms.  

“It is vital that this project is seen by government as an integral part of the ongoing development of an effective UK-wide logistics network, which will support and develop the effective supply chains that our economy needs.”   

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit www.logistics.org.uk.