The incredible £10bn airport that’s Europe’s busiest and growing | UK | News
It has many intense airports in Europe, but none of them are as crowded as London Heathrow. According to the data obtained from travel analysts OagHeathrow was the most intense airport in Europe in 2024 and there were 51.5 million chairs on domestic and international flights.
The airport’s own figures show that 83.9 million records last year. This was the second most intense of the world’s fifth airport and international travel with the total number of passengers. Heathrow also had more international flight connections than other airports in 2024 based on official reports.
The airport is located only 14 miles west of the center of London and is the largest of the six international airports serving in the capital.
It began in the 1930s as a small airport and rapidly grew up after World War II.
Today, four passenger terminals cover more than 12 kilometers with two main runways and a separate cargo terminal.
Heathrow is the main base for both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic and is used by more than 89 airways flying to 214 destinations in 84 countries.
The airport is operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings owned by a group of international investors.
These include Ardian (32.61%), Qatar Investment Authority (20%), Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (15.01%), GIC (11.20%), Australian Pension Foundation (11.18%) and Chinese Investment Company (10%).
In 2023, Ferrovial, the former majority owner, agreed to sell his 25% stake in Heathrow for £ 2.4 billion. Luck. This agreement valued the airport about £ 10 billion.
Now, plans are being developed to expand the airport further.
Heathrow says that a larger airport will create more space for passengers and help to meet future travel demands.
The expansion plan includes a third runway, new infrastructure and upgrades to terminals. It also aims to improve punctuality and reduce delays.
According to Heathrow, an official offer will be presented to the government in the summer of 2025.
The airport must then apply for a development permit order to be reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate.
The expansion is classified as a national infrastructure project, that is, it cannot be agreed by a local council and must undergo a private government process.
The final decision has not been made yet. Heathrow still examines the details and says he will not progress until he receives feedback State Later this year.
