Heathrow pushes third-runway plan after losing Europe's top airport rank

Heathrow Airport reported that its July passenger count slipped to 7.86 million, a 1.5% year-on-year decrease, while Istanbul Airport handled 8.15 million, taking the title of Europe’s busiest hub. The downturn includes a 20.2% fall in traffic on routes to the Middle East, a repercussion of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Despite operating its two runways near full capacity, Heathrow is lobbying for a third runway that would enable up to 150 million passengers each year, a plan backed by its owners.

The transport secretary launched a consultation on the revised expansion policy, and the former chancellor pledged to start construction by 2035. New airlines—ITA Airways, Alaska Airlines and Riyadh Air—started flights last month, which Heathrow cites as evidence of strong demand. Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the airport aims to grow its route network and maintain the UK’s status as a leading European hub.