Heathrow third runway plan could support 50,000 local jobs by 2055

Heathrow Airport has outlined plans to support at least 50,000 local jobs through its proposed third runway expansion, alongside new training, work experience and business development initiatives.

The airport’s new Economic Development Framework sets out how it intends to increase employment and skills opportunities in communities surrounding Heathrow as it prepares for the proposed expansion.

Heathrow estimates that expansion could support 33,000 jobs across nine neighbouring local authority areas by 2055, with at least 17,500 jobs supported during peak construction.

Heathrow expansion training, apprenticeships and employment programmes

London Heathrow plans to introduce a refreshed in-person work experience programme for local students within the next year, with opportunities increasing annually.

The airport will also hold a new annual careers event, beginning in March 2027 during National Careers Week. Employers operating at Heathrow will participate, providing information about careers in aviation, engineering, airport operations and associated industries.

Preparations for the expansion workforce have already begun through the Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council, which has held its first meeting.

The council brings together trade unions, colleges and training providers to identify the skills and workforce requirements associated with constructing and operating an expanded airport.

Heathrow will also contribute to the West London Construction Training Excellence Centre, one of 10 centres the Department for Education is establishing nationally.

The initiative is intended to strengthen construction skills provision and help prepare workers for major infrastructure projects.

“It is time to lift our eyes to the horizon. To see the potential of expansion and investment in the big infrastructure programmes of the future, and to put in place the pipeline of education and skills required to meet the challenge,” said Lord Blunkett, co-chair of the Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council.

“In this way, we can ensure that Britain retains its premier status in the global economy whilst offering innumerable opportunities for both entry-level and highly skilled jobs, which we can plan for now. This is true, not just for the wide geographic area of the main economic development, but for the country as a whole who will clearly benefit from the supply-chain opportunities and the materials required for a project of this kind.”

Heathrow third runway expected to support jobs across the UK

The local employment proposals follow Heathrow’s September forecast that a third runway could support 108,000 jobs nationwide.

“We see first-hand how much of a difference a career makes to someone’s life, and we are serious about our responsibility to connect local people to the opportunities at Heathrow. At least 50,000 local jobs being unlocked is just one of the reasons why local polling shows clear support for expansion,” said Becky Coffin, Director of Communities and Residential Property, Heathrow.

“Getting onto the career ladder begins in primary school classrooms and needs constant momentum. That’s why we’re expanding our work to get more children and young people in our local area to see first-hand what a skilled airport career can look like, and helping give them the tools they need to thrive.

“Expansion is a unique opportunity to give the next generation more choice on that first job through access to the good-quality high-paying jobs that infrastructure brings.”

The airport identified opportunities in construction, engineering, manufacturing and supply chains, including steel production and other industries involved in delivering major infrastructure.

Heathrow has proposed privately financing its expansion, with the wider project expected to increase annual airport capacity to 150 million passengers and up to 756,000 flights.

The Department for Transport has previously estimated that expansion could deliver more than £40 billion in economic benefits to the UK.

However, the project remains subject to planning and regulatory approvals.

The Government launched a consultation on the revised planning framework in June 2026, with a final planning decision targeted for 2029. The proposals must meet requirements covering noise, air quality, climate commitments and economic growth.

Heathrow has also scheduled an eight-week public consultation on its expansion proposals, running from 27 October to 22 December 2026.