Before and after expansion

As Britain's busiest and only hub airport, Heathrow is the country's front door to businesses and investors from all over the world. Currently, the airport is operating at 98% capacity and according to Heathrow Airport Limited, expanding the airport will enable the UK secure an economic future in the global race for foreign investment, jobs and trade.

Basic facts and figures you need to know before and after the proposed expansion at Heathrow. 

Before the expansion After the expansion
Operating at 98% capacity with flight movement (ATM) capped at 480,000/year Increased capacity with world class facilities
Two runways (northern and southern) Three runways ((northern, southern and north - west )
Five terminals Further terminal facilities
204 routes to 85 countries Connections to about 30 new destinations
474,033 flight movements (ATM) per year 740,000 flight movements per year
38.1 million passengers per year At least 130 million passengers per year
Handles 1.70 million metric tonnes of cargo Plans to double its cargo capacity
Total revenue £1.405 million Up to £187 billion in economic growth
Largest single-site employer with over 70,000 workers within its boundary Up to 180, 000 new jobs cross the nation and at least 40,000 new jobs during operation

Source: HAL (2017/18)

To find out more visit the Heathrow Expansion website

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Last modified: 19/09/2025