Heathrow eyes revival of third runway as it cuts losses

Heathrow’s long-running battle to build a third runway could be renewed, its finance chief has suggested. Javier Echave, Heathrow’s chief financial officer, said expansion will be a key priority for new chief executive Thomas Woldbye, who replaced John Holland-Kaye earlier this month. “With the arrival of our new chief executive, it is probably at the top of his list in terms of discussing with consumers but also with local communities and passengers.” Heathrow’s expansion has been the subject of controversy and legal wrangling for many years, although plans for a third runway were approved by Parliament in 2018 despite criticism by local MPs. Transport Minister Jesse Norman reiterated on Thursday that the third runway remains a matter for Heathrow, rather than policymakers. He said: “As the House will know, Parliament has voted in principle to support a third runway at London Heathrow, but the Government have always been clear that that expansion remains a private sector project.