Heathrow invests in significant upgrade

Image courtesy Heathrow

The increased investment comes as Heathrow publishes the first annual Investment Impact Report illustrating the impact of Heathrow’s £1.1 billion investment in 2024

In the largest private sector capital investment in the UK’s transport network, Heathrow is making a £2.3 billion investment over the next two years to accelerate the upgrade of the airports capabilities, to ensure it is able to enhance the services it provides for passengers and businesses.

The £2.3 billion investment is an uplift of £244 million on previously forecasted investments which will be used to enhance capabilities across all terminals, including baggage delivery and projects to support punctual departures and arrivals. The investment programme will improve service, resilience, passenger experience and sustainability for all passengers at Heathrow.

The Independent Journeys Project, for example, will empower passengers requiring additional support and give them a choice to travel in the most independent way throughout the airport. Active Travel projects will encourage cycling and walking to the airport and between terminals and are expected to be completed in 2027. 

Critically, Heathrow’s increased investment serves to support the Government’s national mission for growth. To deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and support industries that rely on Heathrow’s global connectivity, it is critical that the UK’s international gateway for trade and tourism is fit for the future. These investments over the next two years will drive economic growth across all parts of the UK while allowing Heathrow – the world’s best-connected airport – to continue delivering for passengers and airlines.  

This investment will also create contract possibilities for businesses and SMEs nationwide, both local to the airport and across the country. In line with Heathrow’s long track record of supporting and developing its supply chain, it provides support through initiatives including the Business Summit programme which connects SMEs to opportunities. 

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to the world, and ultimately, the country’s gateway to growth. Today’s announcement confirms that we will continue to invest more than £1bn of private sector cash each year into the airport to deliver facilities our airlines and passengers want, while boosting the UK economy and creating opportunities for businesses up and down the country.” 

This announcement comes as Heathrow’s Investment Impact Report outlines how Heathrow has made significant investments in the airport in 2024, reaching £1.1 billion and benefiting over 1,100 supply chain partners in the UK. The £191 million investment to upgrade security lanes over the course of 2024, for example, has ensured that Heathrow was prepared for the increase in demand during the Christmas period and continues to focus on passenger experience, making the airport smarter and smoother for passengers and a better workplace.