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Heathrow expansion now facing 'at least' two-year delay

Government
James Chapple
1 May 2020

Heathrow remains committed to expanding the airport via a third runway, but has warned the project will likely be delayed by "at least two years" due to the coronavirus crisis.

Chief executive of The Advantage Travel Partnership, Julia Lo Bue-Said, described the airport as the "Grinch of Christmas"

In a first quarter trading update, Heathrow revealed Q1 passenger numbers fell 18.3% to 14.6 million, while April passenger numbers are expected to come in 97% down on last year.

"We expect passenger demand will remain weak until governments around the world deem it safe to lift travel restrictions," said the airport, adding daily passenger numbers "have shrunk to the thousands".

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye has meanwhile called on the UK government to lead talks over a set of "international standards" for safe air travel fit for the post-coronavirus world.