列国鉴·英国丨记者观察：希思罗机场跑道扩建规划为何难落地

Core Viewpoint - Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest global aviation hubs, faces significant operational challenges due to limited runway capacity and ongoing delays in the construction of a third runway, despite increasing passenger traffic and government support for expansion [1][2][4]. Group 1: Operational Challenges - In March, Heathrow Airport experienced a one-day shutdown due to a fire at a nearby substation, resulting in the cancellation or delay of thousands of flights and affecting over 200,000 passengers [1]. - The airport's passenger throughput is projected to reach a record 83.9 million in 2024, surpassing pre-COVID levels, with a 4% increase in flight numbers to 470,000 [2]. Group 2: Expansion Plans - The plan for a third runway has been under discussion since the 1980s but has faced opposition from environmental groups and local residents concerned about noise pollution and carbon emissions [3]. - Heathrow's CEO announced plans to invest billions of pounds in expanding Terminals 2 and 5 as a preparatory step for the third runway [2]. Group 3: Economic Impact - A 2016 government report estimated that the new runway could generate up to £61 billion in economic benefits over 60 years and create thousands of jobs [4]. - Research indicates that the third runway could contribute to a nearly 0.5% increase in the UK's GDP by 2050 and stimulate growth in the domestic steel industry [4]. Group 4: Regulatory and Political Landscape - The UK faces broader challenges in infrastructure project approvals, with frequent government changes and a complex planning process contributing to delays [5][6]. - Political disagreements complicate the approval of infrastructure projects, with local political pressures often taking precedence over economic development needs [7][8]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The current government aims to see construction of the third runway begin by 2029, with operational status expected by 2035, but achieving this timeline requires significant political will [8][9].