Heathrow's chief executive issues warning

Thomas Woldbye told the Financial Times that Heathrow's financial backers cannot wait forever for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to approve the third runway expansion.

“Our shareholders would like to do this. They do think that things are taking a long time, and so far they have decided to be OK with that… But of course we cannot wait forever.”

Major investors may reassess involvement

The Qatar Investment Authority, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and China Investment Corp are reportedly due to decide in the new year whether to submit a formal planning application.

Woldbye seeks certainty by year end

The Heathrow chief executive said shareholders need a level of certainty and by the end of the year they will assess the situation and take stock of where they are.

“At some point in time we need a level of certainty.”

Passenger numbers fall but demand remains high

Heathrow reported a two point three percent drop year on year in September to seven point two million passengers, driven by a twenty point one percent plunge from the Middle East.

Woldbye insists debate is settled

Despite last month's passenger drop, Woldbye said demand continues to outstrip capacity and the debate over the third runway has been settled in support of expansion.

“The debate about whether the UK needs additional hub airport capacity has been settled.”

Expansion timeline faces pressure

The thirty three billion pound scheme is expected to be fully privately financed and would increase Heathrow's capacity to seven hundred fifty six thousand flights and one hundred fifty million passengers per year.